Sights

The old city, shaken by earthquakes and conquerors, has vanished but for a few ! fragments of the waifs littering the modern town. To get a sense of its former glory, ‘ join a free walking tour offered by Edna Amos, archeologist, courtesy of the Moriah Plaza Hotel (Sat. 10am; tours leave from the hotel lobby).

Tlie meticulously tended Tomb of Moses Maimonides, on Y. Ben Zakkai St., com- j memorates the controversial and famous rabbi and physician who attempted a syn- ] thesis of Aristotelian and Arabic philosophy with the study of Judaism. According to : legend, an unguided camel carried his coffin to Tiberias.

To reach the tomb, take HaYarden St. east (toward the water) and turn left on Y. Ben-Zakkai St. The tomb is about two blocks up on the right. The area has a red fence and black pillars; the white half-cylinder with Hebrew writing is the actual tomb. If you need further directions, ask for the tomb of “Rambam,” the rabbi’s Hebrew acronym (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon) or get in good with an unguided camel. While you’re at it, visit the Tomb of Rabbi Akiva, on the hillside above the Kinneret (take bus *4 and ask for directions), and that of Rabbi Meir Ba’al haNes, student of Rabbi Akiva (on the hillside above the hot springs). (Tombs open Stin.-Thurs. 8am-7pm, Fri. 8am-2pm. Modest dress required.)