Friday, March 28, 2014: Technical Problems--Photos will follow later.

Caesarea Philippi:  Was originally called Panion or Panias after the Greek god Pan.  Herod the Great’s son Philip, established it as the capital of his tetrarchy.  It was known as Caesarea Philippi to distinguish it from other cities with the same name.  Caesarea Philippi marks the northernmost limit of Christ’s ministry.  It was here that Peter made his confession of Christ’s Deity in the response to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  (Matt. 16:13).  Caesarea Phillipi was a long distance for Jesus and his disciples to walk from the Sea of Galilee through rugged country.

Tel Dan:  Located at the foot of Mt. Hermon and the Golan Heights, in the northernmost corner of the Huleh Valley, the Tel Dan Nature Reserve encompasses both a fabulous landscape and the ruins (partially restored) of an ancient Israelite city.  The largest of four sources of the Jordan River, the Dan Spring emerges at the base of Mt. Hermon next to Tel Dan.  It flows for 4 miles before joining the second largest source of the Jordan River, the Banias Spring.  Together the four sources (also the Lyon and Hasbani) of the Jordan River drain a total of more than 10,425 square miles).

Kibbutz Luncheon:  We visited a beautiful kibbutz that had a salad, soup, entrée and dessert buffet set up for us.  The food is healthy and very good.  My favorite is the homemade pita bread and hummus.  Yummy.

Golan Heights:  This area is best known for its capture by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war.  It is an Israeli strategic area of military occupation now, protecting Israel from potential invasion from its northern neighbors, Syria and Lebanon.  It is also an area of agriculture importance, with vast fields of grain and other vital crops.  Going up to Golan from the east entrance was a pleasant drive, but coming down the western slope was  frightening: switchbacks on a narrow road, 800 or so feet drops straight down, and a large tour bus much too large for the road.  Our cute Israeli driver did an outstanding job, and he got a round of relieved applause when we finally got down on level ground.   And, we haven’t mentioned our Israeli guide.  He is a 60ish New York converted Jew who is an excellent historian, has the gift of gab, a love for the Lord and is a quick wit.  We really enjoy him.

Baptism in the Jordan:  The Jordan River was always an important source of water for agriculture, but many other biblical stories are told of its banks, the most important being the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. (John 3:13-17.)   Many members of our 750 member tour group were baptized today, either as an initial baptism or as a rededication.