Synagogue Construction
22. We make entrances to synagogues only to the east, for we find that the sanctuary opened to the east, as it is stated: And those who were to pitch before the Tabernacle eastward, before the Tent of Meeting, toward the sunrise (Numbers 3:38).
23. We build them only at the height of the city, as it is stated: She calls at the head of the noisy streets (Proverbs 1:21).
Translated by Avi Steinhart.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
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May peace be upon anyone who has offered charity in this holy place and anyone who will offer charity may he be blessed. Amen, Amen, Selah, and for myself Amen.
Aramaic Inscription from Na‘aran, Jordan Valley
Remembered for good Ḥalifu, daughter of Rabbi Safrah, who supported this holy place. Amen.
Greek Inscription from Gaza
Menaḥem and Yeshua, sons of the late Isai/Issi, wood merchants, as a sign of thanks for the most holy place, this mosaic [we] have donated in the month of Loos [July–August], 569 [of the era of Gaza =…