An early breakfast at the hotel and we headed out for a stroll around the local kibbutz with a guide (Moshe) who was born on the kibbutz in the year it was founded. The kibbutz concept consists of sharing all the work, decision-making, all expenses and income. A Nanny raises the children in a central building although the kids do spend time with their family most days. But the philosophy of the kibbutz is undergoing a shift allowing for more ownership. Children tend to live with their parents now and many of them are leaving the kibbutz for education – without returning to the kibbutz life.
From the kibbutz we loaded onto the bus and headed to Capernaum – the centre from which Jesus carried out his teachings. The home of St. Peter’s mother-in-law where Jesus performed two miracles was excavated and hovering over the dig was built an amazing eight sided Catholic Church. The church contains a central glass floor allowing worshippers to gaze downward to the holy spot.
Next door to the church is the remains of the White Synagogue – originally more of a place for the study of Jewish laws. Nowadays synagogues have become a place of worship like the Christian church.
Next stop was the Mount of the Beatitudes – a singularly spiritual setting where Jesus gave his Sermon On the Mount. The area is dominated by a beautiful but not large Catholic Church. There were a number of groups of pilgrims making their way around the grounds – some conducting full mass and some simply singing. Lucy met a group from Kenya led by an archbishop from Nairobi.
After another full lunch (Jan and I split a fish again), we headed for Nazareth. The imposing Church of the Annunciation was our goal. It is built around (on top of) an excavated building from late BCE where the Virgin Mary met the Angel. A knave off the left side of the church opens out onto the excavation. Around the walls of the church are murals created by well-respected artists and donated by the churches from various countries.
Last part of today’s travels took us to a winery where we were offered a Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc and a mix of Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc. I thought the Chardonnay was fine but didn’t enjoy the reds at all. Most of us felt much the same and we were all shocked at the cost of a bottle – from $40 to $90 CDN. The place was pretty – but we were surprised they gave no history of the winery or any real explanation of their offerings.
Back at the hotel for a wee rest and supper. Tomorrow we have another early day for we are off to Jerusalem.