Day 11 – Monday, March 18: Gamla, Qatzrin, Hippos, Khirbet Cana
Today was a southern Golan Heights day. Because of Lebanon, we could not travel any further than Katzrin. We ended the day with an adventurous experience to Cana! The weather was partly cloudy, with temps around 70, but a little cooler once we got to Cana in the late afternoon. It still has not rained, however, tomorrow some showers are predicted.
Gamla
We drove around the northern end of the lake before turning south on the eastern side. We first ascended into the Golan Heights and stopped for an overlook of the northern end of the lake and the area of Bethsaida (Mark 8). We read from John 6 about the Feeding of the 5,000 as well in that area. We then continued to Gamla, our first site of the day. Gamla was a Jewish city that played a significant role in the First Revolt (66 AD). The Romans came here and defeated the city run 67 AD. Many in the group walked down (and then back up) the difficult trail to the excavations. We entered the 1st century synagogue where we read from Matthew 9. Even though Gamla is not mentioned in the Gospels, there is a high probability that Jesus taught from this rectangular synagogue!
Katzrin
Following our hike back up Gamla, we drove further north to Katzrin. Here is an ancient Talmudic Village that dates from the 3rd-7th centuries AD. Among the ruins we saw the synagogue and house structures, including a partially-restored house. However, in the completely reconstructed stone house we gathered to hear the story of Mark 2. We could see the story unfolding before our very eyes!
Hippos/Sussita
We then turned south on the east side towards Hippos/Sussita. On the way we made a brief stop to see the cliffs mentioned in Mark 5. At Hippos (a Decapolis city), we saw many Roman ruins. During the Byzantine Period (4th-6th centuries AD), there were no less than a half a dozen churches were built here. With a great view of the entire lake (13 miles long), we read the transformational story of the demoniac from Mark 5.
“Today was another wonderful day. We encountered more amazing sites and enjoyed two hikes. The day ended with some adventure moments as we made our way to biblical Cana. All went well, and what an experience it was.”
Khirbet Cana (Biblical Cana)
To end the day, we drove west towards the Lower Galilee. We followed Waze this time (instead of Pastor John’s usual route). It took us through a bunch of very narrow streets within the Arab city of Arrabe. David our driver maneuvered our bus in a remarkable way. Finally, a local resident was so very kind to direct us to get to the northern side of the Beit Netofa Valley. We then took a dirt road to get to Khirbet Cana. Most in the group climbed up to the top of this very “off the beaten path” archaeological site. While standing in what was possibly the 1st century synagogue we remembered the story from John 2 about Jesus turning water into wine here. Cana is also mentioned in the end of John 4. We were only the second “DeLancey” group to ever to come here. No doubt no other groups come here let alone know where this true site of Cana is located. It was quite an adventure!
About 5:30 or so, we began our drive back to our hotel where dinner was awaiting for us. We enjoyed a free evening and a good night’s sleep!
Day 12 – Tuesday, March 19: Arbel, Jordan River/Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride/Ancient Boat
