An olive branch. Illustration by Janet Frankovic. Olive branches. Illustration by Janet Frankovic. Mendel Nun stands within what appears to be the foundation of a round tower (photographed from the edge of today’s shore). These el-Araj ruins are under water except during the lake’s periods of low water. (Photo courtesy of Janet Frankovic) The steep slope of the “precipice,” swept bare by a recent fire (view west across the lake). (Photo courtesy of Janet Frankovic.) An olive branch. Illustration by Janet Frankovic.