An in-depth and unforgettable visit to the village where Mary Magdalene lived. Sea of Galilee Israel
Published 2021-10-30
Unfortunately, I have not been able to work as a tour guide as from Feb 2020
Should you wish to support me and my videos please subscribe to my channel and let me guide you through the Holy Land via my videos. In this way, I will be able to continue to do my work of uploading to YouTube. Upon your request and in return I am very much happy to pray for you at the Western Wall and/or light a candle in your name at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or anywhere else in the Holy Land of Israel.
Should you have a personal request I will be more than happy to respond and even film it in a personal video.
Donations: www.buymeacoffee.com/zahishaked
Kindly share this site with your other friends/family that are interested in the rich and sacred history of Israel.
Thank you so much
Your tour guide
Zahi Shaked
www.facebook.com/zahishakedisraelitourguide
www.instagram.com/zahi_shaked_israeli_tour_guide/
linktr.ee/zahishakedtourguide?fbclid=IwAR1Xad1mAX7…
Magdala was a prosperous fishing village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, between Capernaum and Tiberias. The site was conquered and destroyed in 67 CE by the Romans and was scarcely settled in the following periods. Today it is an archaeological park and a Catholic center.
History of Magdala
Magdala developed as a fishing village and a center for fish trade as it was on the crossroads next to the Sea of Galilee. Historical sources indicate it was especially known for its salted fish. By Christian tradition, it is also the home of Mary Magdalene.
Magdala and Christianity
Magdala is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, but the most devout female follower of Jesus was “Mary Magdalene”, which most likely means – “Mary from Magdala”. It is also quite likely that Jesus visited Magdala and preached in it, as he did in the synagogues of many villages in towns in the Galilee (Mark 1:38-39). In the Byzantine period, a church was said to be built over the “House of Mary Magdalene”. Possible remains of this church were discovered in the 1970s but to this day they are not open to the public. In the early 21st century Magdala was much developed by the Catholic church to a spiritual center, mostly in honor of women.
Magdala was stormed by the Romans in 67 CE and totally destroyed by them. Most of its Jewish population was killed or sold to slavery. The site was periodically settled in the following period, and its 1st century remains were eventually all covered by debris. In the 1970s the Franciscans began excavating at the site. Excavations were resumed in 2009 when a large-scale Catholic project began at the site. The most famous discovery made so far is a rare 1st century synagogue with a uniquely decorated large slab of limestone.
Migdal-Magdala-synagogueMagdala today is a popular tourist attraction. The wealth of archaeological finds attests to the prosperity of the village in the time of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Most exciting is the discovery of a 1st-century synagogue. A big decorated stone in its center still puzzles scholars, as no satisfying explanation has been provided to its enigmatic decorations. Next to the synagogue traces of the local market were found. On the opposite side of the site wealthy residential area was uncovered, including mosaic floors and private ritual baths (Miqva’ot).
In 2018 a modern church was designed at the eastern side of the site, next to the sea of Galilee. Its interior, merging with the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee by an infinity pool, is stunningly beautiful. Called “Duc in Altum”, the church combines well various Christian symbols and local archaeological finds. In 2020 a new hotel was opened on the grounds of the site as well. Called “Magdala hotel” this high-level welcoming accommodating facility sets a new benchmark for hospitality around the Sea of Galilee, especially for Christian Pilgrim Groups.
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera [email protected] +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered licensed tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
All Comments (21)
-
Mary Magdalene is one of my personally favorite students of Christ. Seeing her beautiful is a gift! Thanks!
-
I have been loving with Jesus every day.
-
I can feel the holey Spirit I love Jesus mother Mary Magdalene
-
Good day Sir.pls. pray my brother Reden for fast recovery.
-
That is one of the best narratives out of the Bible. The woman was healed after so many years of suffering. 🙏🙏🙏 The mosaic floor shows a symbol of a wheel as well.
-
A beautiful and sensitive narration. Thank you brother.
-
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
-
Wow! Another must visit wonderful place in the Holy Land. Stunning. Thank you Zahi 🙂🙏
-
Mary Magdalane ❤ Has a special spot in my heart .
-
God bless all of you Evg Fahid Augustin pervaiz from lahore Pakistan
-
Thankyou Zahi, as always a wonderful tour. She has always been one of my favorite people of the bible.
-
Zahi buenas noches, co mo siempre disfrutando estos sitios tan significativos para nosotros los católicos. Un abrazo desde Bogotá, Colombia.
-
Wow.. beautiful church... very interesting biblical ancient informative video.. Knowledge and understanding brings us more close to intensity of these videos.. Thankyou Zahi for your investment in God's kingdom.. God bless you. Love and blessings from Fiji Islands..
-
Such a beautiful and Holy Place. Thank You for sharing🌹
-
I Thank you so much for this Videos!!!!!!!! Gratings from Austria
-
This is so interesting. In 1975, we visited the ruins of a small synagogue near the Sea of Galilee. It was very small and the name of Jesus was found in the stone. Our guide said it might be dated to the first or second century. I am getting old and I have lost my papers and pictures for the trip I made to the Middle East in my many moves. This reminded me of that time and I am sure it was north of Tiberias, but this is much more excavated. They were doing a major dig just south of this place. Thanks again, Zahi, this is refreshing my memory. I will be watching many of your videos.
-
I am so happy I found your channel. Absolutely breathtaking journeys
-
I'm in awe.😇🙏🙌✌🌍👐
-
Thank you so much Zahir. What a remarkable place! Though I'm just viewing the church via a virtual tour, I can feel the sanctity - the spiritual connection which is overwhelming. I follow all the archeological excavations taking place in Israel and I always say that on whatever stone you stumble on in Israel, there's a treasure trove of history beneath it! I love Israel! Mary Magdalena holds a special place in my heart... She was a remarkable woman, who understood the Lord's mission fully. It's no wonder when the disciples asked Jesus 'why' it was that He spoke to Mary in a more 'intellectual way (I'm paraphrasing here), Jesus told them that they wouldn't understand if He spoke to them the same way... There is more to Mary Magdalena than meets the eye. I can't begin to imagine what a profound role she played in building the body of Christ after the Ascension. Thank you for your great tour Zahir. I'd love to meet you one day in Israel. I hope soon after the pandemic, if God allows. I live in Cyprus, just an hour's flight away!!! God bless.
-
Thank you Kahi, I saw Magdala in 2012 when they were just starting. Fantastic to see it finished.
