Bringing Mount Tabor, Israel to life through the Artza Holy Land blog

Explore the Holy Land through the Artza Holy Land blog. A pilgrimage through the country and discover the beauty and culture of the birthplace of Christianity.

Daniel Goodman
By Daniel Goodman

Updated April 17, 2023.

Mount Tabor Israel

Embark on a journey and travel to the Holy Land through the lens of the 'Holy Land Artza Blog' series.

Experience the Spiritual Significance of Mount Tabor: A Guide to Churches, Monasteries, and More

In this series, you will be taken on an immersive journey through the Holy Land. Exploring ancient, biblical, and modern stories, magnificent scenery, flavours, traditions, sites, and most importantly of all - we will introduce you to the people that call this place home.

Along the journey, you will meet all of the Israeli artisans and charities that we help support and explore the rich culture, history, and beauty of Israel. And for those of you who want a fully immersive experience of the land where Jesus walked, our Artza subscription box is designed to do just that.

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Location: Mount Tabor.

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. Mark 9:7

Mount Tabor or the Mount of Transfiguration, located in the hills of the Galilee region in the Jezreel Valley, is a place of profound spiritual significance for Christians.

Its natural beauty and rich history make it an awe-inspiring destination that has the power to touch the hearts and souls of those who visit. Its rugged cliffs, verdant slopes, and sweeping vistas are a testament to the majesty of nature, and its deep spiritual l significance has inspired countless people throughout the ages.

For Christians, Mount Tabor is a site of particular significance, as it is believed to be the place where Jesus was transfigured before his disciples. Standing on the very spot where this miraculous event is said to have taken place, one can feel a powerful connection to the divine and a renewed sense of faith.

Why Is Mount Tabor Called the Mount of Transfiguration?

It is called the Mount of Transfiguration as it is believed by many to be the mountain on which the Transfiguration of Christ took place. The story of His transfiguration can be found in the New Testament in the book of Matthew. Jesus took his disciples, Peter, James, and John, to the top of Mount Tabor.

He then began to glow with radiant white light and was transfigured. Before they appeared Elijah and Moses, talked to Jesus. Afterwards, the voice of God came down from the clouds and proclaimed that Jesus was His Son.

Things to do in and around Mount Tabor:

Visit the churches and monasteries: Mount Tabor is home to several churches and monasteries, including the Basilica of the Transfiguration, the Monastery of the Transfiguration, and the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration.

What is the Basilica Of the Transfiguration?

The Basilica of the Transfiguration, located on the summit of Mount Tabor was built in the early 20th century on the site of earlier churches. It is an iconic landmark on the mountaintop, with a distinctive octagonal shape and a white limestone exterior with a green-domed roof.

Visitors can view stunning artwork and intricate mosaics that depict scenes from the Bible and the life of Jesus. A beautiful mosaic behind it shows Jesus with Moses and Elijah.

What is the Monastery of the Transfiguration?

The Monastery of the Transfiguration is a Benedictine monastery that was founded in the late 19th century. It is a peaceful retreat that offers visitors a chance to escape the noise and bustle of daily life.

Take in the stunning views: Ascending to the summit of Mount Tabor is a transformative experience that will leave you breathless, both figuratively and literally. As you reach the top, a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside unfolds before your eyes, an awe-inspiring vista that stretches for miles in every direction. This is a moment to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the world around you.

Walk the paths of the Bible: Mount Tabor is located in an area rich with biblical history. Walking the paths of the Bible in Mount Tabor is a soul-stirring experience that offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich biblical history of the region. The stories that are associated with Mount Tabor include the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, the battle of Deborah and Barak, and the anointing of King Saul. Follow in the footsteps of the great heroes and heroines of the Bible, and learn about the stories that took place here, gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences and their teachings.

Stories associated with Mount Tabor:

According to the Bible, the Transfiguration took place when Jesus brought his disciples, Peter, James, and John, to a high mountain, where he was transfigured before them. It is believed by many that Mount Tabor is the site where this event occurred, which is why the Basilica of the Transfiguration was built there to commemorate this event.

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light." (Matthew 17:2)

The battle of Deborah and Barak: The story of how the prophetess Deborah and the general Barak led the Israelite army to victory against the Canaanite army, with God's help and is said to have taken place on Mount Tabor

And Deborah said to Barak, 'Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand.'" (Judges 4:14)

The anointing of King Saul is yet another story from the Bible that is associated with Mount Tabor. According to the Bible, the prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel on Mount Tabor.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward." (1 Samuel 16:13)

Explore the nearby town of Nazareth: Nazareth is a city rich in history and spiritual significance approximately 11 kilometres from Mount Tabor. Nazareth has a vibrant vibe that embodies the rich heritage of its past and continues to be a source of inspiration. Nazareth is an inspiring place for Christians to visit because it is the town where Jesus spent his childhood, and where he began his ministry as an adult.

Explore the nearby area of The Kinneret: The Kinneret is approximately 11 kilometres from Mount Tabor. The Kinneret also known as the Sea of Galilee, is an awe-inspiring location that holds a special place in the hearts and minds of people from all over the world, located in northern Israel, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region. According to the Bible, Jesus spent much of his ministry in the region surrounding the Sea of Galilee, preaching to crowds of people and performing miracles.

Distance from Mount Tabor to Jerusalem:

The distance from Mount Tabor to Jerusalem is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles).

As we come to the close of our twentieth Holy Land Artza Blog which takes you on a journey through Israel with us, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your participation. It has been a privilege to share with you the beauty, culture and traditions of this land that holds such a special place in our hearts thus far, and we are so excited for what is to come!

For those who seek a deeper connection to the Holy Land, our Artza subscription boxes are the next best thing to actually travelling to Israel, it is the best way to bring the Holy Land to your doorstep. Each Artza box is sent to you from a different region in Israel, and it is packed with up to eight stunning hand-crafted gifts, local foods, spices, art, scripture, ceramics and so much more - each carefully chosen from the local artisans and charities of that specific region - with the aim of bringing the Holy Land to life in the most meaningful and immersive way possible. This is your chance to experience the beauty of the Holy Land and to support the people of Israel.

We look forward to welcoming you back soon and providing you with the next Holy Land Artza Blog, and of course, welcome to ISRAEL!