 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Arbela  51 pictures
 1.30 minutes HQ video The steep cliffs of Mt. Arbel mark the region of Bik'at Kinorot and the lower Galilee. During the period of the Second Temple, Arbel was the home town of Nitai Ha'arbeli. Ha'arbeli was considered to be one of the great halacha teachers and as such was named "Zugut". The Synagogue  The intriguing system of caves found in the area, served as housing for the inhabitants of Arbel. A thriving Jewish settlement was established in this area bestowing vital historical and strategic importance on two separate occasions: during the rein of King Herod and during the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. The Caves   Joseph Ben - Matityahu (Josephus Flavius), who at the time headed the entire region, used Arbel to hide from King Herod. A little later, during the Jewish rebellion against the Romans, Arbel was fortified and once again participated in battle. The Synagogue   Archeological ruins from this period can still be found at the site amongst them is a large communal building, which doubled as a synagogue. This building is rectangular in shape, producing a large hall which is divided by three rows of columns. Along the walls, stone benches were built for the people of prayer to sit on. Along the south - eastern wall is the main entrance to the building. The entrance is still largely in tact. The entire building faces south, thereby facing Jerusalem. A recess was formed in the southern most wall and in it the arc was placed.  Back to Israel Index
|
|||||
