Guide
The Early Synagogue as a Meeting Hall
1st–6th Centuries
Restricted
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Houses of Prayer and Meeting
He was aware that the great section of Rome on the other side of the Tiber is occupied and inhabited by Jews, most of whom were Roman citizens emancipated. For having been brought as captives to Italy…
Primary Source
Jewish Places of Assembly
“Lucius Antonius, the son of Marcus, proquaestor, and propraetor, to the magistrates, Senate, and people of Sardis, greetings. Our Jewish citizens have come to me and demonstrated that they have had…
Primary Source
Political Assembly at the Synagogue
On the following day, therefore, everyone assembled within the prayerhouse, a huge edifice capable of receiving a large crowd, and when John entered, although not daring to speak openly about revolt…
Primary Source
Meals at the Synagogue
R. Miasha and R. Samuel bar R. Isaac were sitting and eating in one of the upper synagogues.
Primary Source
Use of the Synagogue for Communal Affairs
One may attend to [activities necessary for] saving a life or for communal needs on Shabbat, and one may go to a synagogue to attend to communal affairs on Shabbat.