Aramaic Mosaic Inscription, Jericho

Ancient synagogues served as central hubs for Jewish prayer, study, and community life. Archaeological evidence and primary texts reveal the evolution of these sacred spaces from the Hellenistic era to Late Antiquity.

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Synagogue Inscriptions Noting Donations

3rd Century BCE–7th Century CE

Relief from Synagogue, Ostia, Italy

This tablet would have decorated the synagogue’s Torah shrine. It depicts a menorah, a shofar, and the four plant species used on Sukkot.

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Drawing of a raised, columned structure with shelves inside, upon which scrolls rest.

Torah Shrine from Synagogue, Ostia, Italy (Drawing)

Reconstruction drawing of the Torah shrine in the synagogue of Ostia, Italy, first century CE. Built of brick and marble, this monumental shrine housed the ark containing the scrolls of the Torah.

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A partially uncovered ancient mosaic on dry, cracked ground, with geometric patterns and some Greek text visible. Shadows from nearby trees fall across the mosaic's surface.

Mosaic Floor, Aegina, Greece

This floor mosaic with Greek inscriptions was found on the island of Aegina in Greece and is evidence of a synagogue there.

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Ancient mosaic featuring two lions facing a central grid with Greek letters, surrounded by decorative patterns. The scene appears weathered, with part of the mosaic damaged in the lower left corner.

Greek Mosaic Inscription, Ḥammat Tiberias

This mosaic comes from a synagogue at Ḥammath Tiberias. One of the inscriptions extends across two panels, so that the nine panels commemorate eight donors or benefactors to the building. Four of the…

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Ancient mosaic with Hebrew script, bordered by geometric patterns, including interwoven designs at the bottom. The text is clearly visible within a rectangular frame.

Hebrew Mosaic Inscription, Susiya

This mosaic inscription from the synagogue at Susiya, in the Hebron hills, names R. Isai and R. Yoḥanan as benefactors of the synagogue building.

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Black and white drawing of an ancient mosaic featuring menorahs, animals, a zodiac wheel with a chariot in the center, and geometric patterns with animal motifs in the lower section. Parts of the mosaic appear to be damaged or missing.

Mosaic Floor, Naaran, Jordan

This panel from the mosaic floor in the synagogue at Naaran, in the Jordan Valley, depicts the ark flanked by two symmetrical seven-armed menorahs, from which two lamps are hanging. Below this is a…

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Aramaic Mosaic Inscription, Jericho

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