Israel Trip - St Peter's Fish

St. Peter's fish - photo from Wikipedia

We left Tabgha and made a stop for lunch at the St. Peter's Restaurant, which also sits on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  The restaurant's big draw is the fried (whole, complete with the head) fish dinner.  St. Peter's fish is supposed to be the same type mentioned in Matthew 17:24-27.  In the passage, Yeshua told Peter to cast a line into the sea to catch a fish, and that he would find a shekel in its mouth.  Peter did as instructed, and found the coin, which was then used to pay a tax for both Peter and Yeshua.  

Because of the story, it is traditional (and fun) to open the fish's mouth to check for a coin.   I didn't order the fish this time, since I'd eaten it on my previous trip to Israel.  Others in our group did order it and check the mouth, but no one found a shekel.  

Israeli New Shekel - photo from Wikipedia

I think it is interesting that the shekel is still used in Israel.  I brought some back from my trip for my grandson. 

I learned later that the fish was probably not the same one in the Bible account.  Most restaurants use farm-raised tilapia instead, due to the reduced numbers of the St. Peter's fish population. 


The food was delicious, although I don't remember what I ordered.  I do remember the salad bar, however, and it was just wonderful.  Again, the fresh fruits and vegetables in Israel are really fresh and taste so good.  

I didn't take any pictures at the restaurant, but I did want to share this pic of a friend who had the fish dinner on her recent trip to Israel.  I crack up every time I see the expression on her face when she saw that whole fish on the platter.  Can't you just hear her saying, "Oh, no...." ?  
 

If you visit Israel, be sure to try this dinner.  It's part of the whole Israeli experience.

Next stop was Caesaria Philippi, and I'll have lots of photos for you next week.  It is such a beautiful spot.

***********

 I'm linking up today with:
 Spiritual Sunday

The Gathering Spot Link-Up
GRAND Social

Modest Mom Monday Link-up 
Meet-Up Monday

Growing Homemakers Link-Up

Titus 2 Tuesday 

Tuesdays with a Twist

A Hope in Every Season Homemaking Link-Up  
Wordless Wednesdays 

Winsome Wednesday

A Wise Woman Builds
Whole Hearted Wednesday 
Wake Up Wednesday
Whimsical Wednesday
Jenny Marie's Wordless Wednesday 


Favorite Things 
Hearts for Home 

Fab Creative Friday
Friendship Friday 
Freedom Friday