Mount Meron

Hightlights

From the top of Mt. Meron there is an amazing view to the east, all the way to the Hermon Mountain which is on the Israeli-Syrian-Lebanese border. When turning to the south one can see Mount Tabor and the Jordan Valley, with the villages and towns of the Galilee dotted in between. This is an excellent photo opportunity, as well as a good area for hiking. The surrounding nature is easily accessible with well marked trails of varying levels.

Background

Mount Meron is the second highest mountain in Israel with its 1208 meters, situated in the pastoral area north-west of the Sea of Galilee and close to the town of Safed. Here Joshua won the battle against the pagan, Philistine king of Hazor, according to Joshua chapter 11. One Christian tradition describes Mt. Meron as the place where the Transfiguration of Jesus took place. The rich cultural heritage of the area is further mirrored in a Jewish tradition according to which the grave of the leader of the Bar Kochba Revolt against the Romans, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, is here. A large number of orthodox Jews come to visit his grave annually to pay their respect to the great rabbi.

Travelujah Tips

Upon visiting the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, modest dress is required.

Nearby Places of Interest

Bar'am, Safed

Links

http://www.ancientsandals.com/overviews/mount_meron.htm http://www.tourism.gov.il/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Jewish+Themes/Jewish_Sites/Meron+Jew.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Meron