Guide
Synagogue Inscriptions Noting Donations
3rd Century BCE–7th Century CE
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Greek Inscription from Xenephyris, Egypt
On behalf of King Ptolemy and Queen Cleopatra his sister and Queen Cleopatra his wife, the Jews of Xenephyris dedicated the pylon of the prayer hall [proseuchē] during the presidencies of Theodorus…
Primary Source
Greek and Latin Inscription on Marble Tablet from Ostia, Italy
For the safety of the Emperor. Mindius Faustus with his family built and made [it] from his own gifts, and set up the ark for the holy law.
Source: JIWE 1.13
Primary Source
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.
Primary Source
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.
Primary Source
Greek Inscription from Phocaea, Asia Minor
Tation, the daughter of Straton, son of Emphedon, built out of her own [money] the synagogue building [ton oikon] and the colonnade of the courtyard, and gave them to the Jews. The community of Jews…
Primary Source
Greek Inscription on Column from Stobi, Macedonia
[Claudius] Tiberius Polycharmus, also known as Achyrius, father of the synagogue [patēr tēs synagōgēs] in Stobi, having governed all my life according to Judaism, in fulfillment of a vow have indeed…
Related Guide
Early Synagogue Donors and Benefactors
3rd Century BCE–7th Century CE