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Live-stream Lectures: From Jesus the Rabbi to Christ the Saviour

Dates : October 17, 24, 31 & November 4, 4.30-6:00 pm Israel Time (9:30-11:00 am US Eastern Time)

Presenters: Mr. Jared Goldfarb (Guide & Lecturer) and the Team of Tantur Ecumenical Institute

Join us on a textual journey through the early rabbinic teachings of the Mishna and Talmud, as well as the synoptic gospels of the New Testament, in order to trace the radical transformation of Jewish practice following the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and witness the birth of early Christianity.  An additional focus will be placed on the key sites and structures that serve as an important backdrop to this historical period - the first synagogues, the fishing villages along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the mixed Jewish-Roman city of Tzippori (Sephoris), the scriptorium at Qumran, and of course the complex fabric of politics, religion and identity in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus.   

 
Session 1 - October 17 - "Setting the Scene: The Geopolitical Reality of the Holy Land During the Time of Jesus"
   * A tour of the land that Jesus called home - geography, topography, borders, and population centers
   * How should we understand the complex relationship between the Roman Empire and the local Jewish communities?
   * Virtual Site Visit: Caesarea - King Herod's magnificent port city and architectural masterpiece
 
Session 2 - October 24 - "These Are the People in Your Neighborhood: Jewish Communities & Identities in the 2nd Temple Period"
   * A survey of a fractured Jewish society - Sadducees, Pharisees, Rabbis, Essenes, and Rebels (and where does Jesus fit in?)
   * What role does each sect play in confronting the challenges of the time and the growing conflict with Rome?
   * Virtual Site Visit: Qumran - A mysterious village on the shores of the Dead Sea, and the scrolls revealed after 2,000 years
 
Session 3 - October 31 - "Did Jesus Go to Temple or Synagogue?  Navigating Between Priestly Rituals and Rabbinic Teachings"
   * An exploration of the tension between the literal and interpretive traditions of the Hebrew bible, and the forces behind each path
   * How did the ritual traditions of the politically powerful priests hold up against the homilies of social justice in the small village synagogues?
   * Virtual Site Visit: The Temple in Jerusalem - House of God?  Pilgrimage destination?  Bastion of corruption?  Or all of the above...
 
Session 4 - November 7 - "From Destruction to Redemption: Jerusalem's Demise and the Messianic Rise"
   * Tracing the narrative of chaos - fleeing the conflict, ritual observance post-Temple, a new hierarchy of Jewish leadership
   * How do the various communities push forward following the Great Revolt of the 1st century, and who will inspire new spiritual directions?
   * Virtual Site Visit: Tzippori (Sephoris) - A mixed Jewish-Roman city that successfully embraces the post-war reality
 

Program Brochure

 

Online On The Way to Pentecost in the Holy Land 2021

We know from the Gospels that the Resurrection of the Lord was experienced by some of the disciples "on the road" and that their encounter with the Risen Lord was one of His "opening their minds" to this Mystery and allowing their hearts to be set afire.  Join us in our Easter season series "On the Road to Pentecost" through guided tours and presentations, exploring different spiritual dimensions of the Resurrection of the Lord and its meaning in our lives. 

           Sunday, April 11: The Garden of the Resurrection at the Holy Sepulcher
           Sunday, April 18: On the Road to Emmaus 
           Sunday, April 25: Judas, Thomas, and the “Valleys” of the Holy Land
           Sunday, May 2:    The Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor
           Sunday, May 9:    The Resurrection Experience at the Sea of Galilee
           Sunday, May 16:   Jerusalem, City of Prophets

 

Program Brochure

Program Details

This program is in partnership between, Tantur, ISC Geneva, ISC Glasgow and John XXIII Parish.

Online Holy Week Series from the Holy Land 2021

We celebrate Holy Week with presentations and reflections that mark the significance of each day of Great and Holy Week according to various traditions of the Christian churches of the Holy Land. We begin with Palm Sunday on the Mount of Olives and end on Holy Saturday in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher with a special focus on the Holy Fire. Each daily session will conclude with some spiritual reflections from our presenters at Tantur.

           Palm Sunday:           The Mount of Olives
           Holy Monday:           Parable of the Ten Virgins
           Holy Tuesday:          The Anointing of Jesus
           Holy Wednesday:    The Passover (Pesach) and Seder Meal
           Holy Thursday:        Praying with Jesus in Gethsemane
           Good Friday:           The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
           Holy Saturday:        Saturday of Light

Program Brochure 

Program Description

This program is in partnership between, Tantur, ISC Geneva, ISC Glasgow and John XXIII Parish.

Online Lenten Program 2021

As we begin to prepare for Easter, we are happy to share with you three programs that are available to us as a community of faith, where we can journey together as fellow pilgrims. Everyone is most welcome to join all or some of the programs. The invitation is that we journey together in love and joy towards Easter. The basis of the Lenten retreat is Ignatian Spirituality. 

All information can be found here: Advert For 2021 Lenten Program

This program is in partnership between, Tantur, ISC Geneva, ISC Glasgow and John XXIII Parish.

Virtual Advent Holy Land Retreat 2020

You can view a recording of this event at the ISC Geneva website. 

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