Tiberius, established in 20 AD, is a modern Israeli city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It lies 200 metres below sea level.
In November we will join thousands of other tourists who visit here each year. I hope we’ll be served freshwater fish, right from the lake. Fishermen still go out in boats each morning, returning later with the day’s catch.
Twenty-seven species of fish swim in the lake. The best known is a type of tilapia known as St Peter’s Fish. Its Arabic name is musht, which means comb, because it has a comb-like tail. Matthew 17:24-27 records that Jesus told Peter to go fishing and to look in the mouth of the first fish he caught for a coin that would pay their Temple tax. The association is made because the female tilapia, which holds her eggs and young fish in her mouth, has been known to pick up small stones or other debris.
The marina is part of the Old City where there are many well-preserved buildings and ruins. One of these is the 18th century Church of St. Peter where the stained glass windows include fish as well as holy figures. Nearby, the Church of Scotland was built by Dr. David Watt Torrance who founded the first hospital in Tiberias. The Old City also has a Jewish ritual bath. A boardwalk promenade, which connects the Old City to modern Tiberias, is a collage of old and new: fishing boats, the pink and orange of sunset reflected in the lake, falafel stands, ice cream parlours, cafes, pubs, bazaars, music and the sound of many voices.
The area around Tiberias has been known since antiquity because of hot springs which reach 60 degrees Celsius and are infused with about 100 minerals. These have been traditional healing places for a variety of health issues, particularly skin ailments. Seventeen of these springs have been incorporated into Hamat Tiberias Nationa Park, south of the Old City, where there is also, of course a renowned spa overlooking the lake.
We will enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias to site of Capernaum. For more information about The Sea of Galilee Boat, also known as the Jesus Boat, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee_Boat.
Bonniebeldanthomson's Blog 