“And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala” – Matthew 15:39
Small, yet historically significant Magdala is a village located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is the hometown of Mary Magdalene, also known as St. Mary Magdalene, who was one of the Jesus Christ’s most faithful followers, present at both the crucifixion (John 19:25) and the resurrection (Gospels) of Christ.
Magdala was not relevant only in the Bible; nowadays it’s famous for being an important archaeoligical site. Among the most important discoveries was a synagogue, presumed to be where Jesus taught and preached.
The ruins of the synagogue included other important, biblical discoveries: “The Magdala Stone” is a 2,000-year-old treasure and is the most significant find in connection with the Second Temple (referred to by Jesus as his Father’s House, John 2:16); on the stone there is a carving of the Menorah, a one of a kind, 7-lamp candelabrum. In addition to the stone, the altar of the synagogue was also uncovered; shaped as boat, the altar is a reminder of the Lord standing in a boat, preaching to the people on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:3).
Today, Magdala is mostly known for its archaeological park. But this particular site in the Holy Land is also a spiritual center for prayer and contemplation; it aims to build a strong relationship with Christians from around the world, and between Christians and Jews.
