| The Sea of Galilee
is commonly known as Yam Kinneret or Lake Kinneret and is
situated deep in the Jordan Great Rift Valley. It is fed
by the Jordan River from the north, as well as rainfall
and springs. At 209 meters below sea level, it is the lowest
freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake after
the famous Dead Sea (saltwater lake).
The Great Rift Valley was caused by the separation of the
African Arabian Plates, and hence the region has seen much
volcanic activity in the past as well as several earthquakes.
Basalt and other igneous rocks all across the Golan Heights
are evidence for the geological activity in the area.
Although fairly small in size, 21 km long, 13km wide and
only 53km in circumference, the lake is one if the most
famous bodies of water in the world. It was at the center
of Jesus’ life and teachings; here he delivered some
of his most famous sermons and performed healings. Many
famous sites are located around the lake, including Capernaum
and the Church of the Beatitudes, where the Sermon of the
Mount was preached. The Church of Multiplication is a very
popular site, where Jesus is said to have fed 5,000 followers
with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Lake Kinneret lies in the north-east of Israel, about 2
hours drive from Jerusalem. The lake is noted for its rich
fish stocks and sudden violent storms due to its low position
in the Rift Valley. One of the stories in the New Testament
pays tribute to the lake’s weather changes when it
tells about Jesus calming a violent storm from the shore.
On quiet days the lake’s surface is smooth as glass
and with its surrounding mountains it becomes apparent why
it is considered one of Israel’s pearls.
Production crews coming to the Sea of Galilee for Filming
in Israel can shoot beautiful landscape shots as well as
covering important locations in the life of Jesus and his
teachings. Tiberias, the biggest city at the lake, as well
as Rosh Pina on the northern side of the lake, offer a variety
of guest houses, hotels, restaurants and other attractions
for visitors.
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