Rufina Inscription, Smyrna
2nd Century
This Greek inscription from Smyrna, Asia Minor, refers to a woman named Rufina as the head of the synagogue, perhaps indicating that women could function as Jewish religious and community leaders despite their lack of representation in rabbinic sources. The inscription is known only from a facsimile made in 1883.
Credits
Salomon Reinach, “Inscription grecque de Smyrne. La Juive Rufina,” Revue des études juives, vol. 7, no.14 (1883): pp. 161–66.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
You may also like
Greek Inscriptions from Beth Shearim, Lower Galilee
Of Joses, archisynagogos of Sidon.
Source: IJO 3.Syr18
Here lies Eusebius, the most honourable archisynagogos of the Beirutians.…
Greek Inscription on Lintel from Sepphoris, Central Galilee
In the time(?) of Gelasius(?), scholasticus, most illustrious comes, son of Aetius the comes, of Judah the archisynagogos, (and) of Sidonius the archisynagogos—these enclosures(?) on behalf of Ianus…
Greek Inscription on Marble Plaque from Crete
Sophia of Gortyn, presbytera and archisynagogissa of Kissamus, (lies) here. The memory of the righteous woman (be) forever. Amen.
Source: IJO 1.Cre3
Greek Inscription on Marble Pillar from Myndos, Asia Minor
[From Th]eopempte, head of the synagogue [archisyn(agōgos/gōgissa)—Ed.], and her son Eusebios.
Source: IJO 2.25
Greek Funerary Inscriptions from Venosa, Italy
Tomb. Joseph, archisynagogos, son of Joseph, archisynagogos. Peace upon his resting-place.
Source: JIWE 1.70 / CIJ 1.584
Tomb of Kallistos, child,…
Sophia Inscription, Crete
This Greek inscription, from a synagogue in Crete, refers to a woman named Sophia as elder and head of the synagogue.
Engage with this Source
Restricted
Related Guide
The Ancient Synagogue
4th Century BCE–6th Century CE
Related Guide
Archisynagōgos and Archisynagōgissa
1st–6th Centuries
You may also like
Greek Inscriptions from Beth Shearim, Lower Galilee
Of Joses, archisynagogos of Sidon.
Source: IJO 3.Syr18
Here lies Eusebius, the most honourable archisynagogos of the Beirutians.…
Greek Inscription on Lintel from Sepphoris, Central Galilee
In the time(?) of Gelasius(?), scholasticus, most illustrious comes, son of Aetius the comes, of Judah the archisynagogos, (and) of Sidonius the archisynagogos—these enclosures(?) on behalf of Ianus…
Greek Inscription on Marble Plaque from Crete
Sophia of Gortyn, presbytera and archisynagogissa of Kissamus, (lies) here. The memory of the righteous woman (be) forever. Amen.
Source: IJO 1.Cre3
Greek Inscription on Marble Pillar from Myndos, Asia Minor
[From Th]eopempte, head of the synagogue [archisyn(agōgos/gōgissa)—Ed.], and her son Eusebios.
Source: IJO 2.25
Greek Funerary Inscriptions from Venosa, Italy
Tomb. Joseph, archisynagogos, son of Joseph, archisynagogos. Peace upon his resting-place.
Source: JIWE 1.70 / CIJ 1.584
Tomb of Kallistos, child,…
Sophia Inscription, Crete
This Greek inscription, from a synagogue in Crete, refers to a woman named Sophia as elder and head of the synagogue.