Benedictine Monastery of Tabgha
Tabgha, Israel
wORK OF THE SJBVC
The Benedictine Monastery of Tabgha is a peaceful and serene community located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Tabgha, Israel. The monastery is dedicated to promoting spiritual growth and development, fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding, and providing a welcoming and inclusive space for visitors from all over the world.
One of the key initiatives at the monastery is the Beit Noah retreat complex, which provides services for handicapped Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children from throughout the Holy Land. The complex includes a thirty-three bed house, four canvas tents, four smaller rooms, two bathhouses, separate kitchen, natural pool, garden, orchards, and various animals. The SJBVC volunteers play a vital role in keeping Beit Noah running smoothly on a daily basis.
Volunteers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including welcoming and serving guests, cleaning, repair and maintenance work, gardening, cooking for the community, and construction projects for the retreat house, monastery, and church. They work closely with the monks and other volunteers to create a warm and welcoming environment for guests, and to ensure that the facilities are well-maintained and in good condition.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to engage in spiritual reflection and study, attend Mass and other religious services, and explore the rich history and culture of the Holy Land. They may also have the opportunity to travel on weekend trips with the monks, visiting sites of historical and cultural significance and deepening their understanding of the region's rich heritage.
In addition to their work with Beit Noah, volunteers have the opportunity to explore and engage with the local community in Tabgha and beyond. From participating in interfaith dialogues and community service initiatives to learning about the diverse cultures and traditions of the region, there are countless ways for volunteers to make a positive impact and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life in Israel.
Short film created by Joe Pieschel, who volunteered in Tabgha in 2022.
THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED
2008-2009: Mike Bancks & Mike Leither
2009-2010: Ben Briese
2010-2011: Brian Walsh & Anthony Nelson
2011-2012: Peter Blattner & Robert Lennon
2012-2013: Josh Seaburg & Paul Vanasse
2013-2014: Roberto Borgert & Derek Rausch
2014-2015: Joe Dick & Connor Triggs
2015-2016: Ochirbat Bayanjargal & Cameron Axberg
2016-2017: Alex Ingulsrud & Cody Piecukonis
2017-2018: Thomas Widmer & Sam Burns
2018-2019: Hudson Echelard & Mitchell Lundquist
2019-2020: Tim Havenaar & Aaron Schweitz
2020-2021: Owyn Ferguson, Cameron Swanson, & Gabe Johnson
2021-2022: Zavier Joseph-Smith, Noah Polipnick, & Joe Pieschel
2022-2023: Angel Arroyo, William Villalvazo, & Xiaohan Yan