Service Description

Imagine stepping into the vibrant heart of ancient Jewish life in the Galilee—Zippori National Park (also known as Tzipori or Sepphoris), a breathtaking archaeological gem perched on a hilltop just minutes from Nazareth. This site, often called the "ornament of the Galilee" by historian Josephus, offers an extraordinary half day guided tour that immerses you on the trail of the Sanhedrin and in the footsteps of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi (Judah the Prince), the legendary sage who sealed the Mishna. Yoni Lemel is an expert on Zippori, and has guide here often. He will lead you through layers of history, starting with panoramic views from the hilltop that sweep across the Lower Galilee—lush valleys, distant hills, and the very landscape where Jewish scholarship flourished after the destruction of the Second Temple. This was no ordinary city: in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries CE, Zippori became the seat of the Sanhedrin, Judaism's supreme court and spiritual leadership. It was here that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, revered simply as "Rabbi," moved the Sanhedrin and spent his final years redacting the Mishnah—the foundational written compilation of the Oral Torah, completed around 200 CE. Walking these ancient streets is following directly in his footsteps, connecting to the moment when ancient Jewish tradition was codified for generations. Highlights of the tour include: The stunning Roman theater, seating thousands, a testament to the city's cosmopolitan Roman-Jewish coexistence. Exquisite Byzantine mosaics, including the world-famous "Mona Lisa of the Galilee"—a mesmerizing portrait of a woman from a 4th-century villa, alongside intricate scenes from the life of Dionysus. A beautifully preserved synagogue floor with a zodiac mosaic blending Jewish symbolism and Greco-Roman art, reflecting the rich cultural dialogue of the era. Roman villas, bathhouses (possibly used by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi himself), ritual baths (mikvaot), and streets that echo daily life in this thriving Jewish center. The Crusader fortress atop the hill, offering sweeping vistas and a glimpse into later medieval history. As you explore, your guide will weave in stories of how Zippori remained a beacon of Jewish learning even under Roman rule—home to sages, scholars, and the Sanhedrin's deliberations. Bring bottled water, hats, closed walking shoes and sun screen. Inclusions: professional guide Exclusions: transport, National Park entrance charge. Looking forward to seeing you, Yoni