Letter from Fr. Juan (XXXVIX)

Dear Magdala Family, Since we finished our virtual pilgrimage/retreat I bring to mind a great invitation for each and every one of you: We will prepare the best Christmas of our lives! Yes, I’m not kidding. I am afraid that some of the past Christmas´ we have experienced in the past had so many trees,…

Flavius Josephus and his faithful Magdala

Magdala through history In the year 66 of our era the Jews rebelled against Rome. Josephus, a Jewish priest, about 30 years old, had just assumed the post of chief commander of the Galilean rebels. To prepare the country for war, he fortified the main cities, among them the famous Tarichaea, that is, Magdala. Before…

Oil by Kathleen Nichols

In Magdala, the path from the synagogue toward Duc in Altum is lined with centuries-old olive trees on either side. By late October, the silvery-green leafed branches bow down to visitors, weighed low by hundreds of fleshy green and brown dangling fruit. In November, a team of volunteers usually rake trees and shake branches until…

Looking for my own Gethsemane

By Raquel Hernández When I finished my university studies I decided to pack my bags to come to Israel not knowing exactly what to expect, and, to be honest, not knowing what my heart was looking for. My experience as a volunteer had ups and downs, as is normal in any change of routine, especially…