Guide
Synagogue Attendance in Antiquity
1st–6th Centuries
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
Synagogue attendance was not limited to men, and there is no evidence for segregated seating in antiquity. Moreover, various sources indicate that synagogues also attracted non-Jews, including Christians and a category of people called “god-fearers,” who may have sympathized with Jewish belief and practice.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Greek Women in the Synagogue
Acts 17:10–12
That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and when they arrived, they went to the Jewish synagogue. These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they…
Primary Source
Christian Women and the Synagogue
Discourses against Judaizing Christians 2.3
This is why he [Paul] made you to be head of the wife. This is why Paul gave the order: “If wives wish to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home,” so that you, like a teacher, a…
Primary Source
The Talmud on Women in Synagogues
b. Avodah Zarah 38a–b|b. Megillah 23a
This is also taught [in a baraita]: A Jew may place meat on [hot] coals and [let] a gentile come and turn it over [as necessary] until the Jew comes…
Primary Source
Greek Inscription from Tralles in Caria, Asia Minor
I, Capitolina, worthy and a fearer of God, have made the entire platform and the inlay of the stairs in fulfillment of a vow to myself and my children and my grandchildren. Blessings.…
Primary Source
Greek Inscription on Marble from Aphrodisias, Asia Minor
God (the/our) helper [ . . . (?)]
the ones listed below (members) of the decany
of the disciples of the law…
Primary Source
Against Christians Attending Synagogue
Martyrdom of Pionius 13
I understand also that the Jews have been inviting some of you to their synagogues. Beware lest you fall into a greater, more deliberate sin, lest anyone commit the unforgivable sin of blasphemy…