Magical Snow in the Galilee – Hararit – Yotvat – Laura Netofa

On the 19th-20th of February 2015, a snowy weather system brought significant amount of snow to vast areas in Israel. This weather system was also characterized by low temperatures that brought snow to relatively low areas, which seldom see snow. This time, we visit Yotvat (Yodfat) ridge, on the Lower Galilee, and mainly the settlement of Hararit.

We begin our journey on the morning of February 20th, heading east on the road along the ridge.

Hararit is located at the end of this road, on Mount Netofa, its highest point at 526 meters above sea level.

People are already out, enjoying the rarely seen white sights.

It started to snow again while we were there, in the forest, turning the world into a black and white magnificent silent moving sight

The area is rich with many kinds of trees, some natural, some planted. The sight of fresh snow is always a delight, as each leaf gets its snowy attitude. Lets explore some trees and take a look how snow decorates them in different ways.

White Olive trees are particularly attractive

Looking afar, clouds and distant snowy ridges of the Galilee can be seen, as well as Tsalmon reservoir of the National Water Carrier of Israel.

We now head to Laura (Lavra) Netofa – a Melkite-Christian hermitage, with its unique church, always charming, but magical in the snow

Back to Hararit, this settlement was founded in 1980. Originally, its founding families were  practicing Transcendental Meditation. During the years the settlement has grown, and today families deal with various occupations.  Some of the houses in Hararit deserve an architectural attention

Playgrounds in the snow

In clear weather, superb views are seen from Hararit, as it is located on the eastern edge of Yotvat ridge, surrounded by valleys from three sides. Here are some views opening to the south, to Beit Netofa Valley.

And we shall conclude with other residents of the area