Magdala - Water and Wine Tours

Magdala

The unique stone relief based on the actual seven-branched candelabra that stood in the Jerusalem Temple. This representation was made before the destruction of the original candelabra in the year 70 C.E.

The Land of Israel hides many secrets in its soil, from Biblical times. sometimes those secrets are just centimeters below the surface and only require a good archeologist to discover them. That’s what recently occurred close to the shores of the Sea of Galilee when, just under the surface, benches from a first century synagogue were discovered here in ancient Magdala, across the road from the small modern farming community of Migdal. In the synagogue excavators discovered a unique stone relief based on the actual seven-branched Candelabra which existed at this time in the Temple in Jerusalem.

In an article related to the find, a journalist asked one of the primary archeologists: ‘Is it possible that Mary Magdalene attended this synagogue?’ I asked Dina [Avshalom-Gorni, archeologist at the dig] before leaving. She smiled. ‘That’s something I cannot prove, but it is indeed a possibility. In fact,’ she added, ‘you cannot dismiss the possibility that Jesus himself attended this synagogue at least once. After all, he did travel and preach in this area.’
Source: Jerusalem Post, 04/12/2010, by Danny Herman.

So Migdal, a new discovery, is destined to become a must-see site in the Galilee, close to many other significant Christian sites.

How to put together your Water and Wine tour of Israel

On our Water and Wine Tours website you will not find standard tours.

Don’t worry. We’ll make sure that you experience the must-see sites in the country. But we’ve also included a comprehensive list of sites, by region for people with many different interests, with enough description for you to ascertain whether it’s the sort of place you want to spend your time.

You know your budget and how much time you have to spend here.

So here are our recommendations, based on years of leading all sorts of tours throughout the country.

Ask yourself if this trip is a vacation. Do you want to see sites but also feel really relaxed at the end of each day? So that you don’t need a few days of sleep upon your return home? If this is the case then try to restrict yourself to three major sites per day. Between the sites, travel and lunch 8-10 hours will pass quickly.
If you’re more inclined to describe yourself as a pilgrim or someone who wants a survey of sites, then expect to visit up to five sites per day. You’ll be spiritually satisfied but you’ll also need to get a good night’s sleep every night.

Your Tour Guide

Water & Wine Tours specializes in individually tailored tours catering to the interests of its clients. Our founder, Zach Levin, is an experienced, licensed tour guide who majored in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Our tour guides make the history and culture of Israel come alive. They understand that the customer is always right and want you to experience an unforgettable Israel. We’ll take you to places which you’ll love and never forget. When you need to be left alone we’ll sense it. When you need an extra hand we’re there for you.