Katzrin
Just 13 km northeast of the Sea of Galilee in the central Golan lies the village of Katzrin. While there is a modern town there known locally for its mineral water and olive oil production, it is the ancient, Talmudic village of Katzrin that offers a unique view into life in northern Israel during the Roman Period. New Testament students and scholars will find it of particular interest in helping to build an accurate picture of what life was like for Jews living in Israel and particularly in the Golan and Galilee at or near the time of Christ. As the Gospels are written within a first-century, Israeli, Jewish culture, the reconstructed village allows visitors the rare opportunity of entering into that culture during their visit.

A spring at the site which still flows today made the area habitable for generations. The site shows evidence of civilization from the middle Bronze Age up to the Byzantine period when it was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 749 and eventually abandoned. The village remained buried until 1967 when the remains of an ancient synagogue were uncovered. It is believed that the synagogue dates from the 6^th century AD, but it sits upon foundations of an earlier synagogue. Excavation on the synagogue continued between 1971 and 1984, and in beginning in 1983, the basalt-stone houses and other structures east of the synagogue were excavated and a few of them were reconstructed with roofs and outdoor paddocks and courtyards. Ancient household furniture, tools, utensils, and dishware also have been displayed to show life in the ancient village. Hand-on activities and guided tours with actors in period dress are also available.

The synagogue with its impressive lintel and doorposts has been partially reconstructed, and it is used for services even today. The synagogue is oriented with the southern wall facing Jerusalem. Two rows of four columns with iconic capitals, which once supported a wooden-beamed roof of clay tiles, were restored. Double stone benches surround the northern, eastern, and western walls of the structure. This was once a two-story building that also supported a small balcony with windows at the top of the walls. A pair of stone steps led to a raised platform where it is assumed an ark for the storage of the Torah scrolls was kept. A small portion of the mosaic flooring also has been preserved.

Most Christians touring Israel will visit Capernaum and Bethsaida along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The ruins of those sites are historically compelling and should be part of any tour of Galilee. However, it is difficult at those sites to imagine life in the ancient village. The reconstructed ruins at Katzrin offer an opportunity to step into the Bible by entering an actual ancient home and synagogue, and imagining what life may have been like in the New Testament period. We invite you to visit Katzrin on your next trip to Israel.

Richard Liverance, ThM, DMin
Western Regional Marketing Director USA
Israel Ministry of Tourism