The Sea of Galilee
by Melani

This beautiful inland lake is known, by locals, as the Lake of Gennesaret, Lake Kinneret, or Lake Tiberias, as the town of Tiberias is situated right on it. It isn't large, and is fed by the Jordan River. The lake lies 655 feet below sea level.  The northern shore of the lake from Mount Arbel to Hyppos is known as the Evangelic Arch. This arch is part of the triangle of Jesus' ministry, most of which occurred from Nazareth to Magda (home of Mary Magdalene) to Capernaum, where Jesus stayed for a time in Peter's mother's house which we can still see. Within this triangle are Tabgha, site of the miracle of fishes and loaves, and the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount.

Sometimes violent storms do occur in the surrounding mountains. The winds roar and the waves churn. This is the setting for the story of Christ rebuking the winds and the sea in Matthew 8:26. He also taught and rode in Peter's boat (Mark 3:7-9) on this "sea".

Visitors to Lake Kinnaret can actually see a first-century fishing vessel raised from the floor of the lake just a few years ago. The "Jesus Boat" is enshrined in the museum and a wonderfully interesting documentary film can be watched which details the entire discovery and recovery of the boat.

Just outside the museum, a short walk to the docks brings one to the current boats for a peaceful ride on the lake. Usually, live music is played, and visitors are encourage to enter into fun folk dancing on the boat. Masses and other worship services are often held on the boats, as well.

Kibbutzim with hotel facilities dot the edges of the lake, as well, providing a convenient and absolutely lovely resting point from which to base one's explorations of The Galilee region of Israel.

All of my Holy Land tours include sailing on the Sea of Galilee. If you would like to know more about our Holy Land itineraries or The Galilee region in general, give me a call!