Nazareth

City in Galilee, northern Israel, 30 km/19 mi southeast of Haifa; population (1997 est) 55,500. According to the New Testament it was the boyhood home of Jesus. In modern times Nazareth is a commercial centre for the Galilee area and a centre of local government in the Northern District of Israel, as well having a significant tourist industry. Since the late 20th century industries such as vehicle assembly, textiles, and food-processing, have developed in the newer eastern suburbs.

No mention of Nazareth occurs in the Old Testament and its insignificance in the time of Jesus may be hinted by the term Nazarene applied to him in derision. Until Constantine's rule Nazareth was inhabited by Samaritans; it declined rapidly after the Arab conquest, but revived during the Crusades and again in the 17th century when the Franciscans established a church on the traditional site of the House of Mary. Around its hills are orphanages and hospitals. The Franciscans have reconstructed the churches of the Annunciation and of St Joseph. The church of the Melkites is claimed to be the synagogue where Jesus preached (Luke 4:16). The town is surrounded by orchards, cypresses, and churches, with hills in the background.

Nazareth

Borough in Northampton County, eastern Pennsylvania, 21 km/13 mi northeast of Allentown; population (1990) 5,700. Settled in 1740 by Moravians, it was a closed city to all but members of this sect until 1865.

The Moravians of Nazareth were noted for their good work among the native people and for their contributions to education. Nowadays, the town is known for producing musical instruments, especially guitars, and also as the home of the motor-racing Andretti family. Cement and paper boxes are manufactured in the town, which is surrounded by fertile farmland.