Mount Tabor has an elevation of 1,200 feet and rises above the eastern Jezreel Valley. If you look closely at the photo, you will see a structure at the top which is the location of the Mount of Transfiguration. A church commemorating the Transfiguration was built around the 4th Century AD and then later rebuilt in the 12th century AD. Today a Roman Catholic church (Franciscan order) stands and is called the Church of the Transfiguration, completed in 1924. Since cars were not allowed to drive past a certain point, we boarded a shuttle to the top. The road was a very narrow, one-lane road with lots of curves. For those who get car sick easily, we were lucky we didn't have too far to travel.
Photo: Looking out from the shuttle
Because it was Easter Sunday, bus loads of people from all over the world were coming to worship so we were grateful to be there early. Photo: People from Nigeria
A Catholic mass was in process so Dr. Allred asked us to walk quietly up to the roof so we would not disturb the mass and where we could have a view of the surrounding area.
We were in awe as we looked out over the most beautiful Jezreel Valley.
People were praying and offering thanks to God and what a privilege to be among so many religions as we celebrated Easter Sunday.
"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here; if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.' While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold a voice out of the cloud which said, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.' And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, 'Arise, and be not afraid.' And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." NOTE: In the King James Version of the Bible, Elias is the Greek form of the name Elijah.
We looked over the wall and could see the area that used to be a baptismal fount.
Franciscan monks have three knots on their rope belt which stand for loyalty, chastity and obedience. The use of the rope itself also symbolizes poverty. As previously mentioned, this church was Franciscan and was evident because of the type of cross on the ceilings and the walls.
Photo: Doorway into the side chapel for Moses.
The church was magnificent and many people were inside waiting to pray and have mass.
Peacocks are symbolic of eternal life. Photo: Nicole, a student from the Jerusalem Center
There were beautiful paintings, mosaics, stained glass windows and ornate carvings in the limestone arches.
After some time inside the church, our group went outside to the garden area where we could sing some Easter hymns. There was a feeling of reverence and we sat with our scriptures contemplating the marvelous and historical events that had taken place so many years ago.
Photo: Christine, JC student, is deep in thought.
After some time to sit quietly and contemplate, pray, and read scriptures, we heard singing from the area near us. The Nigerians were joyfully praising God through song.
After a wonderful dinner at the Kibutz, we had a bonfire on the beach where students shared original Easter poems and songs.
We topped off the evening roasting marshmallows and in the distance could see the lights of Tiberius on the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
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