Event 47

Shefaram

Shefaram (Shfaram, Shafa-Amar) is a Arab-Druze city east of the bay of Haifa, and the site of an ancient Jewish-Roman city which was the second Galilee site of the Sanhendrin in the end of the 2^nd Century A.D.

In the Roman times this was a village, one of many agriculture villages in the area. Its location on the western hills, close to strategic roads, made it important.

The Crusaders fortified the city in order to protect the pilgrimage road from Acre to Nazareth. They named the fort "La Safran" and it was controlled by the Templers. After defeating the Crusaders, Saladin had his headquarters in the city to control the region and as a base against the last Crusaders' stronghold in Acre.

The photo is of the Greek Orthodox church in Shaefaram. For more info on this site click here.

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A number of Byzantine period rock hewn burial caves are located in the hillside facing the fortress. The tombs are dated 5^th-6^th Century A.D., and are Christian according to the crosses on two tombs. The exterior and interior of the caves are richly designed, with one of the most remarkable rock carvings in Galilee.

For more info on the tombs - click here.

Mk 6:7-13: "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. And they went out, and preached that men should repent.And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them".

Mt 10:5-16: "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves".

Lk 9:1-6: "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where".