Historic synagogue ruins unearthed
JERUSALEM — A synagogue from the Second Temple period (50 BCE-100 CE) has been discovered in archaeological excavations at a site where a new hotel is being constructed on the Migdal beach on the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).
In the middle of the synagogue is a stone that is engraved with a seven-branched menorah.
Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority say that it is a rare discovery.
The main hall of synagogue is about 120 square metres in area and its stone benches, which served as seats for the worshippers, were built up against the walls of the hall.
Its floor was made of mosaic and the walls were treated with colored plaster (frescos). A square stone, the top and four sides of which are adorned with reliefs, was discovered in the hall.
The stone is engraved with a seven-branched menorah set atop a pedestal with a triangular base, which is flanked on either side by an amphora (jars).
IAA excavation director Dina Avshalom-Gorni said: “We are dealing with an exciting and unique find. This is the first time that a menorah decoration has been discovered from the days when the Second Temple was still standing.
“This is the first menorah to be discovered in a Jewish context and that dates to the Second Temple period/beginning of the Early Roman period. We can assume that the engraving that appears on the stone was done by an artist who actually saw the seven-branched menorah with his own eyes in the Temple in Jerusalem.
“The synagogue that was uncovered joins just six other synagogues in the world that are known to date from the Second Temple period”.
The synagogue is located in Migdal (Magdala in Aramaic), which is mentioned in Jewish sources. Migdal played an important role during the Great Revolt and was the main base of Yosef Ben Matityahu (Josephus Flavius), commander of the rebellion in the Galilee.
Migdal also continued to resist the Romans after both the Galilee and Tiberias had surrendered.
Isranet
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