Die Abtei von der King David Street aus gesehen.

A few impressions from the Abbey of the Dormition in Jerusalem

by Sebastian Grünbaum

In August 2025, I was generously given by the Görres Society and the Abbey of the Dormition the possibility to visit Israel. 

The benedictine Abbey of the Dormtion is a wonderful place that is situated on Mount Zion. The beautiful church, built from sandstone, whose foundations were laid 125 years ago, can be visited daily. There is also a possibility to enjoy the Benedictine spiritual tradition in the form of daily hours. Downstairs in the crypt, there is a beautiful sculpture of Mary as she is sleeping.

The monastery also functions as a basis for the Görres Gesellschaft in Jerusalem by providing a theological library and spaces for holding presentations, conferences, and receptions. Some of these spaces can be found in the nearby building (Beit Josef), which hosts numerous exchange students every year. Its own very particular flavor to the mix, with the Palestinian Christian workers who serve the guests through wonderful food and maintenance.

Like most Benedictine monasteries, this monastery also hosts two beautiful gardens that function as a peaceful oasis in the middle of the hectic city of Jerusalem. My favorite place, although in the monastery, was the rooftop of Beit Josef. From there, one can see a beautiful panoramic view of the valleys of Hinnom (Gehenna) and Kidron. These two valleys unite right in front of the viewer's eyes. Behind them all over are mountains, and the words of the Psalms come to mind without even thinking about it: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 121:1-2) and “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” (Ps. 125:1–2)

  Ein Bild vom Dach des Beit Josef im Hinnom-Tal
During my stay at the Dormitio, one of the most pleasant things was meeting the people there. This concerns, of course, first and foremost, the monks, who greeted us in the most hospitable manner. But it also concerns other people. To meet in a place like this, where everyone is more or less a stranger, is a curious thing. There are so many stories to share about one's own life and also about the trip. The common experience of being on “pilgrimage” also binds people together. All of us had come from somewhere, but suddenly we were there, coming to see more or less the same things, and sharing this experience. Based on all of this, I can do nothing but warmly recommend the Abtei Dormitio for anyone who considers visiting Jerusalem.

   

Sonntags "Feier"-Mittagessen zusammen mit einigen Gästen und dem Vater Jonas (rechts vorne im Bild) und Bruder Abraham (links hinten im Bild), Autor in blau.

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