The Ancient Caves Of Mt. Nitai In Tiveria, Israel

This past Passover we had a whole week in which to explore our beloved Israeli sites, and for the first time ever we finally made it to Mt. Arbel, an amazing location because it not only includes a view of the Kinneret and the Golan heights, but also of the neighboring plateau mountain called Mount Nitai. Interestingly enough we can actually see a sliver of Mount Nitai from our porch, and late in the day it glows with a beautiful reddish tinge. After all these years I finally know what I’m looking at, and that there are historic ancient caves in part of the mountain where the Jews hid from the Romans! Amazing. So while we have yet to make it to the top of Mount Nitai, we enjoyed a gorgeous view of at least one side of it, from Mount Arbel. Mount Nitai is situated west of the Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee, and north of the city of Tiberius. The mountain is named after Nittai of Arbela who was was Av Beit Din or vice-president of the Sanhedrin under the Nasi Joshua ben Perachyah at the time of John Hyrcanus (r. 134–104 BCE). Wow, the only confusing part is that his name was really Mattai, so it seems, but never mind that for now, lets take a look at this amazing place!

The top of Mt. Nitai, truly a plateau mountain! A valley with a stream through it separates Mount Nitai ( from Mount Arbel . On the eastern slope of Mount Nitai, down next to the stream, is an archaeological site, Khirbet Wadi Hamam (Hurvat Vradim is the modern Hebrew name), where an ancient Jewish synagogue has been excavated. (Note to self: why haven’t we been there?) Atop Har Nitai is a grove of trees and the ruins of an ancient settlement, identified as the ancient village of Arbe. The eastern boundary of the site is marked by the ruins of an ancient wall, and approximately 80 meters east of the wall is a sheer drop-off, or cliff. That cliff with the ancient caves is what we are seeing in my photos. Enjoy, and make sure to include this when you come for a visit to Northern Israel!
Wow, I keep wondering how they got to those caves! And what about food and water?
The sign on Mt. Arbel which explains the amazing view.
Wow, early spring and a bare tree frames the amazing view.
From the edge of the cliff…….
A truly stunning location, next time to the top of Mount Nitai we go!