Heritage
Sometimes
there are amazing treasures hiding right under our nose and we don’t
even
notice them.
After many years of performing at the fabulous Jacob’s Ladder Festival,
we
recently visited a site that is literally a 1-minute drive – okay maybe
2
minutes – from Nof Ginosar, where Jacob’s Ladder is held twice a year.
The site is called Magdala,
and it
defines itself as the crossroads of Jewish and Christian history – and
indeed
it is.
There is an amazing first century synagogue there that was discovered
in the
year 2009, only 30 cm below the surface! It is the oldest synagogue
excavated
in the Galilee, and one of only seven first century synagogues in
Israel. Coins
excavated in the synagogue date between 5 and 63 CE. A coin minted in
29 CE
leaves the impression of Jesus teaching in the synagogues during his
public
life.
In the center of the synagogue is a beautiful stone – appropriately
called the
Magdala Stone. They believe it was a holder for the Torah scrolls and
symbolizes the Temple. The rosette design on the top represents the
veil before
the Holy of Holies, and a carved menorah flanks one side of the stone.
Also uncovered at the site is a large market place with over 20 rooms,
in
addition to wells and possible fish pools. In another area of the site
are four
well preserved mikvaot,
and
there are several beautiful mosaics as well.
At the site there is also a new, modern building comprised of four
chapels
commemorating the public life of Jesus.
The site is open every day from 8-18, so if you live in the north, or
are on
your way from the Center to Jacob’s Ladder, it is worth stopping at the
Migdal
Junction to have a look!