NEBI SHU'EIB

Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, is held in great regard by the Druze who believe that his tomb is located here. It lies at the foot of the Horns of Hittin, an extinct volcano bolstered with enormous slabs of stone. This is also where Saladin, leading the Moslems, finally defeated the Crusaders in 1187.

The Tomb, set in a mosque-like domed hall, is the site of annual pilgrimages by Druze from all over the country during April. Visitors wishing to go inside the prayer hall in the same room as the Tomb must first remove their shoes and cover their heads with a hat, shawl or handkerchief. The interior is muffled with dozens of Persian carpets the raised Tomb is also covered by colourfully woven carpets.

Drive back to Moshav Arbel, turn left and take the road leading close to the grapefruit orchards. Within a few minutes you will be near the cleft in the cliff face at the northern edge of the fields. There are caves on the slopes of Mt. Arbel.
Return to the main road, turning left for Tiberias. Very soon you pass a sign informing you that you are exactly at sea level. Tiberias is ahead of you.

As you drive down the hill (in low gear) you are treated to a fabulous view of the Sea of Galilee, which lies 212 m. below sea level. For a description of Tiberias see the chapter on the Galilee.