Page 14 - Holyland Magazine - 2010 Edition
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On the first day of the Jesus Trail,
walkers can visit the Wedding Church
in Cana, marking the site of Jesus' first
miracle, and stay overnight in the
village. Right: A map of the trail. Photos:
David Landis, Jesus Trail
bus stops and McDonald’s, which you never Bible. Like the magnificent view unfolding The Mount Arbel descent this morning is
would have “discovered” if you hadn’t been below, you’ll find your heart unfolding with probably the most challenging segment of
on the trail. new love for this scenery Jesus knew so the trail, but it’s also the most rewarding
well. – physically, you’re climbing down, but
Your second night is spent at the guest spiritually, you’re ascending to a special
house of Kibbutz Lavi, whose members, From here, it’s down the rock-strewn hills new summit. Walking around the beloved
observant Jews, will be happy to give you to the Druze holy site of Nebi Shueib, which lake like the ancient pilgrims did – and
a tour of the kibbutz and discuss Jewish- is the traditional tomb of Jethro, Moses’ before them, the disciples and Jesus – you
Christian relations. father-in-law. This is a fascinating foray pass Magdala, the hometown of Mary
into another type of unknown territory – Magdalene; then the Mount of Beatitudes,
On the morning of the third day, you’ll say Israel’s multicultural essence. The visit will where Jesus preached the Sermon on the
farewell to your new friends in the kibbutz, enrich your understanding of Israel and its Mount; then Capernaum, Jesus’ “own
and hit the trail as you head northwest to mosaic of peoples and faiths. town,” and Tabgha, the place of the
the Horns of Hattin. The “horns” are two Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes.
peaks of the dark basalt hill rising Before you know it, Day 3 is over! Tonight,
dramatically from the surrounding plain. your hosts will be members of Moshav Weeks, months, and perhaps even years
The hill is actually the collapsed crater of Arbel, a cooperative farm named after the after you have returned from this remarkable
an ancient volcano. In reality, it’s only 700 stunning cliff that stands guard over the journey, you will find yourself thinking back
feet above sea level, but from here, where Sea of Galilee. And tonight you may want to the moments you spent on the trail. And
you’ll get your first view of the Sea of to turn in a bit early, because you won’t when on the trail, words will often escape
Galilee, some 600 feet below sea level – want to miss the next day’s sunrise from you when trying to describe the land, the
the same way Jesus must have seen it the top of the Arbel cliff. As the sun climbs people, and most of all, the physical and
coming from Nazareth – you get that top- and sends its golden rays across the
of-the-world feeling, and “new spiritual landscape, dotted with olive groves and Hitting the trail
heights” becomes more than just an streams lined with the purple-blossomed
expression. Standing here, you’re part of Abraham bush and perfuming the air with Blazed by the Society for the Protection of Nature
world history as well, for this is the site of mint and figs, you’ll learn that the sages of in Israel, the trail is clearly marked. The people
the famous battle that the Crusaders lost Jesus’ day called this the “Valley of Doves.” who planned the Jesus Trail – Inon, Landis,
to Saladin in 1187. They found the sight of the rising sun visible Dintaman and their team – will be happy to help
from Arbel to be a reminder of messianic you with all the logistics to turn your very own
What better place to take a timeout, sitting redemption. Jesus Trail dream into reality. More information
under the ancient oak trees, and open your of all kinds, including a downloadable map, tour
packages and advice (there’s a trail forum), can
be found at www.jesustrail.com
spiritual journey itself. But whether for the
physical or the spiritual exercise, you are
certain to return home and say, “It is not
to be missed.
Eva Marie Everson, Christian Bible teacher and
speaker, and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, writer and
tour educator, are the co-authors of the award-
winning book, Reflections of God's Holy Land;
a Personal Journey through Israel (Thomas Nelson
2008). They are planning a new book chronicling
the spiritual walk of two women – a Jew and
a Christian – on the Jesus Trail.
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