Some hikes around Jesus Land

Here I will series several days events:

Gamla - Actually a supposed site of Gamla as it seems that is somewhat is in dispute. But if it is Gamla then it features closely with the Jewish historian Josephus. As it was he who helped construct such an impressive defensive position with two walls to protect their city set on a hill (it's ruins are beautiful). However he was in a neighboring village when the Romans overtook it and was captured. And Gamla fell not long after that. It is suspected that Josephus gave the Romans information to help them in their conquest - as he is favored in Roman society and given citizenship. He then become a historian and writes much about the history of all Israel. -- Featured at the site is a synagogue which is cool as Jesus may have taught there in his teaching in the synagogues all around the area. This city is set on a hill and is not too far from where the Sermon on the Mount discourse was given - so perhaps it is the very city the Lord was referring to in Matt 5:14. There was an choice to see the ruins OR seeing a waterfall. I opted to try and see both and though I made it to both sites it was too foggy to see the site of the waterfall.  

Qazrin Village - Before entering this site we watched a video which illustrated the Mishna by sharing one of its stories. The Mishna is the written oral torah which was passed down orally through the ages definitely during Christs time (by Pharisees) and claims to be from God's whispering in Moses' ear and informing him not to write it but instead to transmit it orally. Though what it held when finally written down included stories of many varieties and sometimes presents conflicting stories rather than resolving ones. Like the one presented in the story was of a Rabbi talking to his disaffected heretic Rabbi and still learning from him. Presenting the idea that one can learn from anywhere - but seriously the video was way cheesy. 


     As for the actual Village the site was from the 4th century I think and had actually been partly restructured. So they had made the rooms back up and filled them as if they were still in use. Anyway that was that.

Golan hike with Eric Maltzman - This was the next day. Eric was a tour guide and was a pretty good and safe instructor and hiker. He led us through a National forest and brought us to the Black Waterfall (featuring Basalt stone) and Then to the White Waterfall (featuring Limestone). All very picturesque - loved it and there were some great views. 


Today was Sabbath (Saturday) so we celebrated church in a members home which had a large open window overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Really great service. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 


Love ya!