Israel Trip - Capernaum

I found the sign above intriguing because there are not many signs like this in Israel.  In the U.S., there are billboards and signs galore about every tourist site.  You won't see signs that say "10 miles to the place where Yeshua walked." No, not in this country.  Mainly, I guess, because Yeshua is not revered by the majority of Jews as the promised Messiah.  He is recognized as a historical figure, however. 



During Bible times, Capernaum was a fishing village and is the area where Yeshua did much of his ministry .  This is the town where Yeshua healed the paralyzed man and the Centurian's servant,  drove out a demon, and taught in the synagogue.  (See Mark 1 & 2 and Matthew 8. 

We saw many beautiful doors, and a great deal of the black stone popular to this area.

I just have to praise HIM, too!

Below are the remains of a the synagogue from the Byzantine period (around 400 AD).  There are actually two synagogues built on this site, one on top of the other.  The earlier building was called the "black" synagogue because of the black stones used to build it, and is the synagogue in whichYeshua taught.  The second is known as the "grand white" synagogue due to the use of white stones.  

Shelby, admiring the architecture of the synagogue

Natalie teaching on the history of the synagogue

I visited this same site on my first trip to Israel, and was awed by the small size of the synagogue.  During that time of Yeshua, only the men came into the services.  They were responsible to learn G-d's Word and teach it to their wives and children.  Also on the site is a mikvah, which is a pool used for purification.  Baptism did not begin with Yeshua, my friends.  Immersion was practiced for centuries before His ministry. 

Between the synagogue and the new, modern church, are ruins of homes of the time period. The church is built over the preserved home of Peter, the disciple. 

Peter's home is similar to the one in the photo, but has many beautifully preserved mosaics.  This is usually a sign of a wealthy family, so Peter must have made good money as a fisherman, right? Or maybe he married money...you never know!

We walked down to the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and reflected on the ministry of Yeshua in this place.  The day was so beautiful, with warm temperatures and bright sun.  Oh, the joy of being in this place.

Shelby, taking time to enjoy the beauty of Capernaum

Hello Kitty!

As we were leaving, a friendly kitty came to see us off. 

Our next stop is Tabgha, the church of the loaves and fishes.  I hope you'll come back by next week to see Shelby and me wading in the Sea of Galilee.
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