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Magdalena Institute

Magdalena Institute, situated in the hometown of Mary Magdalene, derives its inspiration from her encounter with Jesus.  She was healed, had her dignity restored and was commissioned by Jesus to announce the Good News.  Today she is honored as the “Apostle to the Apostles” and offers women of all walks of life a testimony of hope and courage.

The Magdalena Institute maintains a vision of the human person, rooted in scripture and in dialogue with tradition and contemporary culture, stressing that the human person’s dignity springs from being created in God’s image and likeness.  The Institute promulgates the equality in dignity of men and women, while respecting their differences and complementary qualities.

The Institute. Our unique goal

The Institute seeks to highlight issues of human dignity – with an emphasis on the dignity of women – and contributions of the feminine genius in both religious history and facets of life today.  We hope to engage in important discussions and honor the essential characteristics that women offer humanity. These characteristics can be highlighted in prominent women of the Bible, women through history and contemporary women.

In addition to participating in, promoting and organizing activities that inspire persons to appreciate, respect and value their dignity, Magdalena Institute’s mission embarks the desire to be a support for people seeking spiritual and psychological healing and renewal.

Past encounters and achievements

The synagogue is well preserved and included an entrance hall that also served as a study room (Bet Midrash), and a chamber for storing the Torah scrolls.

Info for future participants

The synagogue is well preserved and included an entrance hall that also served as a study room (Bet Midrash), and a chamber for storing the Torah scrolls.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
About Magdalena Institute

This synagogue in Magdala is currently the oldest excavated in Galilee and one of seven from the first century in all of Israel. A coin minted in Tiberias in 29 CE was found inside the synagogue, proving that the synagogue was from the first century and the time of Christ’s ministry. Since the Bible tells us that Jesus taught throughout the Galilee, it is certain that he taught and frequented this very spot.

The synagogue is well preserved and included an entrance hall that also served as a study room (Bet Midrash), and a chamber for storing the Torah scrolls

Schedule

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23 – NIV)

 

The archaeological project is headed by Universidad Anáhuac México Sur (Anahuac University of Mexico – South in partnership with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico – UNAM) and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Interesting facts

  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.

1st Annual Women’s Symposium

One of the most significant recent archaeological finds in the Holy Land, the Magdala Stone holds clues that will help scholars establish a more complete picture of first century Judaism. The Magdala Stone is likely the earliest known artistic depiction of the Second Temple.

2nd Annual Women’s Symposium

The front of the stone depicts the oldest carved image of the Second Temple’s seven-branched menorah ever found, and it is this discovery that has produced intense excitement among the archaeologists at Magdala.

3rd Annual Women’s Symposium

The long side of the stone depicts the side of a building with pillared archways, with three dimensional design to create the illusion of appearing inside the temple.

4th Annual Women’s Symposium

The back of the stone depicts a pillared structure with two wheels above a geometric shape, illustrating fire. Presumably, the front and sides of the stone carvings represent the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels and fire represents the Holy of Holies.

Magdala’s bustling fishing industry would have demanded substantial storage, which is exactly what archaeologists uncovered along the edge of the town. The remains of a large warehouse is next to a large stone wharf, which now stands on dry ground—but two thousand years ago would have been on the shoreline of the Galilee. The cellar of this warehouse still contains several pottery storage vessels, and is partitioned into separate halls.

The archaeological project is headed by Universidad Anáhuac México Sur (Anahuac University of Mexico – South in partnership with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico – UNAM) and the Israel Antiquities Authority

Interesting facts

  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.

Jennifer is a consecrated woman and member of the Regnum Christi Movement. She is originally from Chicago, currently running the Magdalena Institute at Magdala. She has a Master of Arts in Theology, Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral and Religious Studies (in conjunction with Regina Apostolorum, Rome), and a Bachelors of Science in Special Education (Learning Disabled and ‎Behavior Disordered).

magdalenainstitute@magdala.org

Interesting facts

  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.

Mary Magdalene was real. Her life challenges, struggles, and joys were real. Her life was truly transformed by Jesus. Therefore, it must be possible to “unearth” pieces of what was real by digging through the layers of two thousand years of reflection about her. In the process of discovery, may we “unveil the mystery” that Mary Magdalene embodies, and glean treasures for our own life that can inspire purpose and meaning.

Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala by Jennifer Ristine, is the culmination of her service at the recently excavated site of Magdala in the Holy Land since 2014. She shares her research, dialogue, and answers to questions from countless visitors to Magdala. Through archaeological discoveries, historical texts, scriptural sources, and a survey of traditions, she offers a mosaic-like representation of the figure and importance of Mary Magdalene.

Interesting facts

  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.
  • Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the back side depicting wheels.

JOIN THE MAGDALA FAMILY
How to Get Involved

Support Magdala and its mission, vision, and values through the Magdala Family! Anyone can join and participate in different ways. The future of Magdala is really exciting but we need your help to make it a reality!

VISIT US

At the shores of the Sea of Galilee this is a crossroads of Jewish and Christian History and the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

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DONATIONS

The future of Magdala is really exciting but we need your help to make it a reality!

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MAGDALA SHOP

Share your memories of Magdala or your support with one of our souvenir products! All purchases benefit the projects on site.

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VOLUNTEERS

Experience Magdala in a different way and journey with us as we continue to develop this extraordinary Holy Site.

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