Dear Magdala Family, Summer is passing us by… we hope you have enjoyed some rest and family life despite the difficulties of the present moment. In the Holy Land we are preparing for you our third virtual pilgrimage which is fast approaching. This edition which we have titled, “Traveling through the Holy Land with Mary…
Jewish sources speak of two rabbis from Magdala that lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD: Isaac and Yudan. Isaac of Magdala lived in the 3rd century AD. In an ancient commentary of Genesis (Genesis Rabbah) there appears a discussion about Gn 3:17, when God cursed the earth because of the original sin. Some…
My name is Mary Clare, and I’m the new Magdala volunteer! I first visited Magdala in 2017 with a group from my university. I remember being awestruck, thinking, “My Lord Jesus likely stood here?” I’ve always connected deeply with Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee, where Jesus used familiar subjects of nature and basic livelihood for…
Poem by Linda Dwyer Dawn breaking, Sun behind clouds peeping, Red, pink, orange; clouds turning, Golden Sun; full, round, gloriously shining, Yellow rays extending, Holy God gifting, loving, blessing. Sea of Galilee shimmering, reflecting, Birds calling, dancing, flying, Woof, woof; Soter playing. Reeds, wildflowers swaying, Flowers red, gold; trees blossoming, Tall, strong…
Magdala & Taricheae Magdala is a word of Aramaic origin meaning, “tower,” and most probably referring to a building or structure found on site. Furthermore, Magdala appears to be a name used commonly in antiquity in the region to the point where cities with this name would also have had a “last name.” This would…
by Nelcy Cárdenas I arrived in November to be the Resident Assistant for the volunteer house. It was a very hectic time with everyone working to get the guesthouse ready for the grand opening. At the volunteer house, as is tradition, each volunteer has a “welcome” in which they introduce themselves to the group and…
