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The Jordan River and its Sources
Ze'ev Berg
This famous and unusual river originates in the 10,000 foot
peaks of Mount Hermon, the northernmost point in Israel, and flows over
200 miles to the 1,200 foot depths of the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth.
The melting snows sink deep into the mountain, forming subterranean water
ways which burst out into gushing springs at three major points at the foot
of the Mount Hermon range. each a spectacular scenic site for touring
and hiking (see below). These three become the Chermon (Banias),
Dan, and Snir (Chatsbani) rivers, all of which flow down to
the fertile Chula Valley, where they are absorbed and molded into
one river, the Yardein (Jordan). From the Chula it runs to immerse
itself in the Kenneret (Sea of Galilee), from where it emerges again
to wind its way to the Yam Hamelach (the Dead Sea), where it disappears.
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SITE |
DESCRIPTION
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NACHAL IYON
Nature Reserve |
Tributary feeding the Jordan — 3 waterfalls —
dries up in mid-spring — hiking and picnicking |
SNIR RIVER |
Third major source of Jordan — originates in Lebanon
— inner-tube rentals for rafting available on roadside.
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CHURSHAT TAL
National Park |
150 huge Mt. Tabor oaks — clear, ice-cold streams &
ponds — picnicking and camping sites |
TEL DAN
National Park |
Largest tributary of Jordan — lush vegetation
&
trees — beautiful hiking trails & picnic areas
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BANIAS
Nature Reserve |
Second largest source of Jordan — springs, streams,
major waterfall, water mills, caves & ruins — picnicking and excellent
hiking |
MT. HERMON |
Israel’s highest mountain — skiing resort —
exciting cable car ride |
AN ASCENT TRAVELER’S MEDITATION
Our souls originate in the Upper Worlds and descend into a body about
which it is said three partners are involved in its formation — G-d, mother
and father. Analogously, the Jordan waters originate in the skies above and
make their descent via the three well-spring sources which join in the
fertile valley of the Chula to form the one body of the Jordan. Further, as
our bodies carry us through the twists and turns of a lifetime, the Jordan
follows a winding course (over 200 miles to cover less than a 100 mile
north-south distance) until it reaches its final destination. And just as
during our life’s journey we store up good deeds and acts of kindness, so
the waters of the Jordan carry vast amounts of precious minerals (its good
deeds) into the Dead Sea. Finally, in the same way that our good
accomplishments continue on after us, affecting subsequent generations, the
Jordan’s deposits in the Dead Sea go on to become a major international
source of important fertilizers, helping to bring new life into the world. |
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