By The Reverend Dr. Jo Forrest

Atop the Cliffs of Arbel, we held our devotion in the ruins of a synagogue dating to the 8th century. During a prayerful silence we were serenaded by God’s choir of creatures. Then we began our downhill slide into the valley—with twelve stream crossings by the same seven helpers. For some of us—me in particular—to leave this quiet oasis of lush flowers we’ve enjoyed for the last few days, with primarily cattle as companions, was difficult.

The weather had altered our hiking plans creating an opportunity to stop in Migdal at a synagogue ruin that would have been standing at the time Jesus traveled through the area. In all the places we have been thus far, we could imagine him studying at that spot. We trekked around the sea, through tall rushes, to a well-earned rest.