A Trip to Tel Aviv

Yesterday we made a trip from Haifa to Tel Aviv. Transportation along the coast, the “Via Maris” or the “Plain of Sharon,” as it is variously called in different places, is quite easy. We took the bus down the mountain in Haifa to the connected Bus and Train stations near Carmel Beach. Then we went south along the sea.

Rav Card Reader on a Bus

We purchased a Rav Card, which connects all transportation. We paid a few sheckles each way for the train and a few for daily unlimited rides in Tel Aviv. The coast and the cities are places which are connected by mass transit. That is a good thing, because after driving our rental car in the congestion of Tel Aviv the first few days in Israel, I am glad to let someone else do the driving. After attempting to park in Haifa, I am glad to get off the bus, and not have to look for a place and walk up the hill back to our lodging.

Entry to the Train Station

The drive down the coastal plain was beautiful. The ground is mostly level, but with some rock hills or desert sand dunes in places. There are a few rivers, swamps and lots of land which was drained a hundred years ago and is now used for agriculture. There are fields of cut grain, citrus groves, banana plantations and other farms along the plain. Before the nineteenth century, this land contained enough swampy areas that transportation could be controlled by fortresses.

Comfortable interior of the Train Car

The train cars can be one level or two. Of course as a visitor to Israel, and because we like to look out the window, we go to the upper level (the morning train was only one level). The trains were crowded, and on the morning train I had to stand the full ride, of about an hour. Chelsea and I read some of Al-Khazari.

Flowers at Tel Aviv University

We arrived in northern Tel Aviv and took the bus to Tel Aviv University. This is a large, multidisciplinary state college. Several museums on the campus afford visitors great experiences. We have visited the Eretz Israel and Palmach Museums in the past.

Museum of the Jewish People

Yesterday we visited the Museum of the Jewish People. We enjoyed three different types of exhibits. The entry exhibit is on Jewish Humor. In the early 20th Century about 75% of the comedians in the United States were Jewish. Cultural humor comes from Eastern European communities where Jewish populations were congregated and often relate to the trials of our people.

Museum of Jewish Humor

One source of Jewish humor is the Bible. There are many funny expressions in the Bible, and even books like Esther which are meant to provide relief in life through jest. The festival of Purim, built on the book of Esther, is totally about carnivals and fun.

Fishing for Matzo Balls in Soup

A second, more serious room in the museum was dedicated to places of worship. Detailed scale models, including interior rooms, were on display, showcasing major synagogues in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Synagogue in Vienna, Austria

The Synagogue room also showed videos of Jewish worship.

Capernaum Synagogue

The final room was on photography. It showed early photographs of Israel, and also photography from battle zones in Europe and Central America.

Capernaum

In May 2018 I will be taking a group on a 14 day trip to the Holy Land. During this trip we will visit the Galilee region and Capernaum, a city where Jesus lived for several years. This city on the shores of the Sea of Galilee is an interesting place to visit. The site is maintained by the Franciscans, who have added walkways and benches and maintained the landscape so the story of Jesus’ residence can be told without too many modern intrusions.

Gate at the Franciscan Monastery of Capernaum

During our visit to Capernaum, we will enter the archaeological site through gates situated by a Catholic church. Once on the property we will be seated on shaded benches where our tour leaders will explain what can be seen at the site and share associated Bible stories so we can take away a memorable experience.

Shade trees which protect seating area of Capernaum

From the benches we will be directed into a fourth century synagogue constructed from imported limestone. Limestone was chosen for the exterior of the Synagogue to give a white (pure) appearance in a village constructed mostly out of the black basalt rock, which was easily available in the region. The fourth century building is well-maintained and enables the visitor to walk within and understand construction and practices in ancient places of worship. Tall pillars and an intact anterior provide photo opportunities and an ambiance to the visit.

Anterior of the Capernaum Synagogue

On the south side of the Synagogue, a portion of the earlier basalt synagogue has been uncovered where visitors are able to see a portion of the building in which Jesus and the disciples worshipped.

Remains of a first century synagogue at Capernaum

Outside the Synagogue, we will walk through a large area of foundational ruins. Many of the foundations are several feet in height and display steps and other features which will help us visualize the city Jesus called home (Matthew 9:1)

Ruins of Capernaum from the Synagogue

Over one area of ruins we will be able to enter a twentieth century church which sits above a residence believed to be the home of Peter’s mother-in-law. The modern church has a glass floor which allows visitors to see foundations of a first century home and a fifth century church. Diagrams give explanation of the existing foundations.

Looking across ruins of Capernaum to the new octagonal church

Beyond the ruins we will be able to walk down to the Sea of Galilee. We will visualize the beaches from which Peter, Andrew, James, and John departed on their fishing excursions. These shores are also the place recorded in Matthew 4 where Jesus meets Peter and says, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Looking from Capernaum across the Sea of Galilee

On our trip within Galilee we will see Capernaum from several different vantage points. We will see the village from our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, from the top of Mount Arbel, and if we strain our eyes from Kibbutz Ma’agan, where we will spend three nights. Once we walk through the village of Capernaum in Galilee, each sighting will give us a new perspective as we discover the shores along which Jesus often walked.

A view of Capernaum from the top of Mt. Arbel

If you would like to join us on our 14 day trip to the Holy Land click this link. To sign up for the trip click here. I hope you will travel with us during our 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018.