In the northern regions of Galilee, the land becomes mountainous until one emerges abruptly on the Syrian border, where Mt. Hermon rises majestically over the plains of Bashan at 9,200 feet above sea level—earning it the modern name of Jebel esh-Sheikh (the Chief Mountain). Some traditions say that it was to this “high mountain” that Christ took his disciples to pray and be transfigured before their eyes (Matthew 17:1).