My Name is Mary
Chapter One: Beginnings My name is Mary, and I was born in Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, into a family of means. My father, Eleazar, was a well-known merchant in Sepphoris, a city of stone and grandeur, nestled in the heart of Galilee. He dealt in fine linens and spices, his name often whispered in the courts of Herod’s palace. His ships arrived from far-off shores, carrying treasures beyond count. From an early age, I was taught that wealth wasn’t just a privilege, it was a responsibility. We were children of Israel, bound by the laws of Moses, and all we had was a gift from the Almighty. I learned to read the sacred texts, to grasp the weight of Torah, and to see beyond the gold and silks to the people whose hands bore the burdens of my father’s success. My education extended beyond scriptures. I was taught the ways of trade, managing accounts, and the art of negotiation. I often accompanied my father to the market, watching how he spoke with traders, ex...