DAY 9 – TUESDAY, JANUARY 25: OPTIONAL HIKE IN UPPER GALILEE, ARBEL, MT. OF BEATITUDES, ANCIENT BOAT & BOAT RIDE
Today was our “reflection” day and it was a fabulous one in many ways. The sun was bright, with temps in the 50s. We also enjoyed an optional “sunrise hike” in the Upper Galilee.
“Hill 713” (Har Mitzpe ha-Yamim)
Fourteen of us left the hotel at 5:45 to drive north into the Upper Galilee. We enjoyed a 25 minute hike to “Hill 713” (or Har Mitzpe ha-Yamim in Hebrew). This is a trail that leads to a stunning overlook! We made it just in time for sunrise. We could see literally across the width of the country, from the the Golan Heights to the east to the Carmel Range and Haifa to the west (beyond which is the Med Sea!). Looking south we could see Mt. Tabor, Hill of Moreh, and Mt. Gilboa. It was a special optional experience!
Arbel
We came back for breakfast by 8:15. We all then left the hotel at 9:45 and headed to the trailhead of Mt. Arbel. 13 in the group hiked to the top, while others bussed around to the other side and ascended to the top from there. The view was stunning! Even Mt. Hermon up north could be seen clearly! While we cannot be sure, perhaps this was where the Jesus’ Transfiguration took place (Mt. 17), or where he taught the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7) or where He met His disciples following His resurrection (Mt. 28).
Mt. of Beatitudes
After another great lunch, we drove to the traditional Mt. of Beatitudes. Sitting on the side of the hill, we heard Shlomo read there Beatitudes in Hebrew. On our own, we all then read Matthew 5-7. After a reflective time, most in the group walked down the path to the lake shoreline.
“It was a fabulous day today. We enjoyed a pre-breakfast sunrise hike, enjoyed sun all day long, had times for reflection, and had a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to end the day. This region of the Galilee was Jesus’ prime area for ministry!”
Boat Ride / Ancient Boat
Our last experience of the day was taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We enjoyed the calm waters, clear skies, and sang a few songs. We read from Mark 4 and Matthew 14, the two storm narratives. At the Nof Ginnosar museum we saw the 1st century wooden boat found here in 1986.
Dinner was plentiful once again before we retired for the evening. We head to Jerusalem tomorrow where they are to get 10 cm (3-4 inches) of snow!
DAY 10 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26: MT. CARMEL, CAESAREA, SHILOH, JUDEAN DESERT, JERUSALEM
