Jewish Galilee Experience in Israel

The Galilee hills, rolling all the way down to Tiberias, are rich with Jewish history.

For many, it symbolises tumultuous times of our past; times of trial and tribulation but also of light, hope and perseverance

A Jewish Galilee Experience Through the Ages

Although Tiberias was built by the son of Herod the Great, and named after the second Roman emperor, Tiberius, the city has significant Jewish connections.

– It is the birthplace of the Jerusalem Talmud.
– It was the last place where the Sanhedrin convened before it was disbanded in 425 C.E. due to Roman persecution.
– Rabbi Meir, a student of Rabbi Akiva and fearless fighter for Torah learning, is buried in Tiberias. To this day, people gather to pray at his grave.
– The Hebrew vowels were invented by the rabbis of the School of Tiberias in the nineth century CE.
– Maimonides was buried in Tiberias after his death in 1204. The Maimonides Center, a visiting centre where you can learn about his life and teachings, is adjacent to his grave.

The Talmudic Connection - a Jewish Galilee Experience

Katzrin Village is a Jewish village of the Talmudic era, established in the fourth century.
As a living history site, it is a microcosm of ancient living: a window with a picturesque view of the rich culture, ancient customs, work, and family life.

Writings from the Talmud are reflected physically from every corner of the village.
Explore the ancient Israeli home, where you will notice that the architecture of the building is completely in line with Talmudic textual teachings!

Katzrin Village is the only site in Israel where the archaeological remains visibly reflect the building techniques and laws as described in the Talmud.

The Social Connection - Jewish Galilee Experience

The hub of Jewish social activity has always been the synagogue!

The two-story majestic village synagogue, showcasing thick, sturdy pillars, mosaic flooring, and skilfully carved embellishments is testimony to the immense effort invested in its building, hence its nickname Katzer el Yehud (Castle of the Jews), named by the Arab residents who arrived there centuries later.

The benches are arranged facing one another, suggesting that to build a solid community we must look inward for strength.
No seat is superior to another, so that no matter what your social standing outside the synagogue walls, inside with G-d, everyone is on an equal playing field.

A Taste of the Past - Jewish Galilee Experience

At Katzrin Village, we firmly believe in hands-on experience as a means of learning.

As a living history site, we live history, and there is plenty room for activity and participation for visitors.

The following are several wholesome, educational, and fun activities for the whole family.

– Get dressed in traditional Talmudic garb and spend your day blending in with the scenery!
– Order a delicious picnic in a basket for a nourishing taste of the past.
– Enjoy a tour of the ancient village, the synagogue, and the ancient Israeli home, as well as the Katzrin Bakery and the traditional olive press.
– Experience our musical tour, with the sounds of soft acoustical instruments, played by our local musician in ancient garb.
– Build with cob, an ancient building material, known for its insulating properties and sturdiness, and still used today for eco-friendly homes. Learn all about this unique building method and create something unique to take home with you.
– Enter a world of color and learn how to make paints with items easily found at home. Then paint and decorate a small earthenware vessel to take home.
– Grind flour on a small hand-powered flour mill. Use the flour to dust rounds of fresh pita dough. Roll it out and bake your own pita over a hot, open fire. Enjoy tasty warm bread with delicious olive oil and hyssop seasoning.
– Join us for a springtime celebration by participating in the annual wheat harvest! Cut and collect the sheaves, and then winnow on the threshing floor. Afterwards enjoy freshly cooked, warm wheat kernels drizzled with local honey.
– From mid to late summer, take part in the winemaking at the old-fashioned wine press. Crush the grapes with cleaned, bare feet, and watch as the sticky sweet juice drains into the vat beneath. Learn about the fermentation process and go home with your own small bottle of juice.
– The 1,600 year old traditional olive press is the oldest functioning olive press in Israel! In the fall, join us in the olive oil production process. You can also try some natural skincare products made from olive oil and beeswax, and scented with local plants.

Special Events - Your Jewish Experience

For many families, Katzrin Village is more than a destination.
It’s a place of unique significance and lifetime memories. Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and Bat Mitzvahs are celebrated between the ancient synagogue walls, another link in the long chain of our Jewish tradition.