The River Jordan - that biblical lore would have many Americans believe is like the giant Mississippi – is, during much of its 156-mile length, actually not much more than a gushing, wade-able stream. The Jordan is fed by the melting snows of Mount Hermon and begins in the very north of Israel at the Banias Spring. It flows south to the Sea of Galilee, and then continues through the Jordan Valley to the Dead Sea. In Galilee in spring and summer, the Jordan is ideal for kayaking, inner-tubing and white-water rafting. Along its shores, Druze families bake fragrant pita bread and kibbutzim produce some of Israel’s best vegetables, fruits and flowers.