Close to the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, just four kilometers from Capernaum; lies the Korazim National Park. Korazim (sometimes spelled “Chorazin”) was first acknowledged in sources from the Second Temple Period; particularly about the fine wheat that the residents grew there. Later, the village is mentioned in the New Testament.
THE ANCIENT 2ND TEMPLE SYNAGOGUE IN KORAZIM
When you visit Korazim today; much has changed, but ancient history still lingers in the air. You can walk along the paths that Jesus once walked; look over the sweeping green grasses that lead to the Sea of Galilee as countless generations of people did before you, and visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue still used for Bar Mitzvahs and weddings.
ANCIENT OLIVE PRESS DEMONSTRATES THE DAILY LIVES OF THE 2ND TEMPLE VILLAGERS
What makes Korazim National Park one of the most fascinating attractions in Israel is its ancient synagogue. Built somewhere between the end of the 4th century and the beginning of the 5th, this synagogue remains a sight to behold. To this day, you can still see the geometric, floral, and faunal patterns that were carved into the stone. The stone used was basalt, the most common stone in the region; used for many types of structures during this time.
Found within the synagogue was also a Moses Seat; a carved basalt chair designed for the community’s most respected members. The Moses Seat even had an Aramaic inscription on it visible to this day! To learn more about Korazim through the ages, you can join an activity offered by the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority offer called “Digging Through Time,” where you can become an archaeologist for a day!
MOSES SEAT FOUND AT THE EXCAVATIONS
Korazim National Park Worths Your Time!
Another reason Korazim National Park is one of the most fascinating attractions in Israel is its religious history. In the gospels of Matthew and Luke, the villages of Korazim, Bethsaida, and Capernaum were denounced by Jesus. It is believed that in these three villages, Jesus performed stunning miracles. Capernaum, especially, was known as a village where Jesus’ mighty works were completed.
However, the people of these villages rejected his work and did not change their ways. Due to this, they were subsequently cursed by Jesus, and mention of them again was slim. Some medieval writers even believed that the Antichrist would one day be born in Korazin! Getting to and from Korazim National Park can be a challenge. I recommend that you join me on a private tour of the area. We will see all the impressive sights the Sea of Galilee has to offer is an experience that you will never forget.
