Ancient Synagogues - Archaeology and Art: New Discoveries and Current Research (Handbook of Oriental Studies: Section 1; The Near and Middle East)

"Ancient Synagogues - Archaeology and Art. New Discoveries and Current Research presents archaeological evidence - the architecture, art, Jewish symbols, zodiac, biblical tales, inscriptions, and coins - which attest to the importance of the synagogue. When considered as a whole, all these pieces of evidence confirm the centrality of the synagogue institution in the life of the Jewish communities all through Israel and in the Diaspora. Most importantly, the synagogue and its art and architecture played a powerful role in the preservation of the fundamental beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Jewish people following the destruction of the Second Temple and the loss of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. The book also includes a supplement of the report on the Qazion excavation."--Publisher's website. Contents List of Figures Figure Credits List of Tables Preface Introduction Chapter One The Synagogue 1. The Synagogue and the Temple 2. The Origin and History of the Synagogue 2.1 Textual and Epigraphic Evidence 2.2 Terms for Synagogue Found in Inscriptions 3. The Emergence of the Synagogue 3.1 Synagogue Activities 3.2 Administration of the Synagogue 3.3 Community Officials Cited on Dedication Inscriptions 4. Conclusions Chapter Two Second Temple Period Synagogues 1. Description of the Second Temple Structures 1.1 Capernaum 1.2 H. Et-Tuwani 1.3 Gamla 1.4 Herodium 1.5 Jericho 1.6 Korazim 1.7 Masada 1.8 Migdal I 1.9 Modiʿin—Hurvat Umm el-Umdan 1.10 Qiryat Sefer 1.11 Horvat ʿEthri 1.12 Horvat Burnat 1.13 Qumran 1.14 Migdal II 1.15 Shuafat 1.16 Ornamentation 2. The Architectural Features of the Structures 2.1 Characteristic Features of Synagogues of the Second Temple Period 2.2 Origin of the Second Temple Synagogues Architectural Plan 2.3 Relations between the Jerusalem Temple and the Second Temple Structures 3. Function of the Second Temple Synagogue Structures 4. Concluding Remarks Chapter Three Recently Excavated And Newly Published Synagogues 1. Early Synagogues 1.1 Nabratein Synagogue 1.2 ʿEn Gedi Synagogue I 1.3 Eshtemoa I 1.4 H. Rimmon I (Stratum IV) 1.5 Kafr Misr I 2. Galilean Synagogues 2.1 Arbel 2.2 Barʿam 2.3 Capernaum 2.4 Gush Halav 2.5 Hamam, Hurvat Wadi 2.6 Huqoq 2.7 Kafr Misr 2.8 Korazim 2.9 Meroth 2.10 Nabratein 2.11 Horvat Shemʿa 2.12 The Tiberias Group 2.13 Sepphoris 3. Qasrin 3.1 Synagogue I (A) 3.2 Synagogue II (B) (Stratum IVa, b) 3.3 Description of Architectural Elements 3.4 Architectural Ornamentation 4. Golan Synagogues 4.1 Dabiyye 4.2 Deir ʿAziz 4.3 ʿEn Nashut 4.4 H. Kanaf 4.5 Umm el-Qanatir 4.6 Ed-Dikke 5. South Judea Synagogues 5.1 Eshtemoʿa 5.2 H. Susiya 5.3 H. ʿAnim 5.4 H. Maʿon ( Judea) 5.5 Characteristic Features of South Judean Synagogues 6. Other Synagogues: ʿEn Gedi, Caesarea, Sumaqa, Maʿon-Nirim 6.1 ʿEn Gedi 6.2 Caesarea 6.3 Sumaqa 6.4 Maʿon (Nirim) 7. Concluding Remarks Chapter Four Synagogue Architecture and Ornamentation 1. Characteristic Features of Synagogue Architecture 1.1 The Façade 1.2 Interior Architecture 1.3 The Gallery 2. Characteristic Features of Galilean and Golan Synagogues 2.1 Galilean Synagogues 2.2 Spolia in Galilean Synagogue 2.3 Characteristic Features of Golan Synagogues 2.4 Architecture and Art: A Comparison of Galilean and Golan Synagogues 3. The Torah Shrine 3.1 The Torah Shrine Structure 3.2 Types of Torah Shrines 3.3 The Form of the Torah Shrine 4. The Ark of the Scrolls 4.1 Inscriptions 4.2 Traces of the Ark of the Scrolls 4.3 The Ark of the Scrolls in Jewish Art 5. Orientation of the Synagogue 6. The Conch as Symbol of the Torah Shrine 7. Elements Associated with the Torah Shrine 7.1 The Curtain/Veil (Parochet) 7.2 Chancel Screens 7.3 The Seat of Moses 8. Conclusions Chapter Five Synagogue Art, Significance and Impact 1. Architectural Ornamentation 1.1 Ornate Façade of Galilean and Golan Synagogues 1.2 Ornamented Lintels 2. The Art of Capernaum and Korazim 2.1 Capernaum 2.2 Korazim 2.3 The Capernaum and Korazim Architectural Ornamentation Styles 3. Golan Art 3.1 Composition and Style of Architectural Ornamentation 4. Wall and Floor Decoration 4.1 Frescos 4.2 Floor Decoration 5. Mosaic Pavements Art 5.1 Mosaics in Galilean and Golan Synagogues 5.2 Mosaic Floor Composition and Style 5.3 The Decorative Schemes of the Nave Carpets 5.4 Iconographically-Decorated Functional Mosaic Floors 6. Unidentical Symmetrical Composition 7. Iconoclasm 7.1 Iconoclasm in Synagogues 8. Concluding Remarks Chapter Six Jewish Symbols 1. The Jewish Symbols Panel 2. The Menorah—Light, Cult, and Symbol 2.1 The Menorah of the Second Temple Period 2.2 The Menorah on Second Temple Period Artifacts 2.3 The Menorah in the Synagogue 2.4 Free-Standing, Three-Dimensional Menoroth 2.5 Depictions of the Menorah and Its Function in the Synagogues 2.6 The Menorah as a Symbol 2.7 The Form of the Menorah 2.8 The Significance and Symbolism of the Menorah 3. The Ritual Objects Accompanying the Menorah 3.1 The Lulav 3.2 The Ethrog: Citron 3.3 The Shofar: A Ram’s Horn 3.4 The Incense Shovel 4. Other Accompanying Ritual Objects 4.1 The Hanging (Suspended) Lamp 4.2 The Showbread Table 4.3 Menoroth Discovered Recently in Israel and the Diaspora 5. Conclusions Chapter Seven The Jewish Calendar represented in the Zodiac design 1. The Calendar 1.1 The Gezer Calendar 2. The Zodiac in Jewish Art 2.1 The Zodiac Panel Design in Synagogues 2.2 The Four Seasons: The Outer Square Frame 2.3 The Signs of the Zodiac: The Outer Circle 2.4 The Zodiac Signs 2.5 The Sun God, Moon and Stars: The Central (Inner) Circle 2.6 Comparable Zodiac Designs 2.7 The Zodiac in Later Jewish Art (13th–19th c.) 3. Meaning and Significance Chapter Eight Illustrated Biblical Tales 1. Biblical Narrative Scenes 1.1 The Binding of Isaac (the Aqedah) 1.2 The Hand of God 1.3 The Visit of the Angels to Abraham and Sarah 1.4 Noah’s Ark 1.5 Three Biblical Narrative Scenes at Wadi Hamam:The Temple Construction, Samson in a Battle Scene, and the Exodus 1.6 The Temple Construction Scene 1.7 A Battle Scene—Samson and the Philistines 1.8 Exodus—The Maritime Scene 1.9 Samson Placing Torches between the Tails of Foxes, Huqoq 2. Prominent and Notable Figures 2.1 King David 2.2 David with Goliath’s Weapons 2.3 Daniel in the Lions’ Den 3. Symbolization of Historical Events and Divine Intervention 3.1 The End of Days 3.2 The Twelve Tribes 3.3 The Consecration of the Tabernacle, its Vessels, Aaron, and the Daily Offerings 3.4 The Style and Composition of the Biblical Illustrated Tales 4. Origin, Interpretation, and Significance of the Biblical Themes Chapter Nine Motifs IN Jewish Synagogue Art 1. Fauna—Animal Motifs 1.1 Lions and Lionesses 1.2 The Eagle 1.3 The Bull/Ox 1.4 Horned Animals 1.5 Animal Chase Theme 2. The Human Figure 3. Genre Motifs 4. Birds 4.1 The Bird-in-Cage 4.2 Peacocks 4.3 Fish and Dolphins 5. Mythological Motifs 6. Flora—Plant Ornaments 6.1 The Vine 6.2 The Wreath 6.3 The Garland 7. Selected Geometric Ornaments 7.1 The Rosette 7.2 Inhabited Double Meander Chapter Ten Artists, Workshops and Repertoire 1. Artists and Mosaicists Identified by Inscriptions 1.1 Jewish Artists 2. Galilee and Golan Artists and Workshops 2.1 The Capernaum Artists and Workshops 2.2 The Korazim Workshops and Artists 2.3 Golan Artists 3. Artists, Mosaicists, and Workshops of Mosaic Pavements 3.1 The Hammath Tiberias B Synagogue Artists 3.2 The Wadi Hamam Synagogue Mosaicists 3.3 The Sepphoris Synagogue Mosaicists 3.4 The Beth Alpha Synagogue Mosaicists 3.5 The Gaza-Maiumas Mosaicists and Workshop 3.6 The Beth Sheʿan Workshop 3.7 The Maʿon-Nirim and Beʾer Shemʿa Workshop 4. The Repertory Sources and their Sequence 4.1 Jewish Pattern Books 5. Concluding Remarks Chapter Eleven Inscriptions 1. Dedicatory Inscriptions 1.1 Donors’ Professions and Occupations 2. Literary Texts 3. Unique Inscriptions 3.1 Theodotus Inscription 3.2 Qazion Inscription 3.3 The List of the Twenty-Four Priestly Courses 3.4 The Inscription on the Chair of Moses 4. Explanatory Inscriptions 4.1 Inscriptions Citing Biblical Verses 5. Location of Inscriptions in Synagogue Design 5.1 Inscriptions with Dates 6. Epithets and Appellation 6.1 Concluding Remarks 7. Amulets Chapter Twelve Coins and the Synagogue 1. Numismatic Evidence: Coins Discovered in Synagogues 1.1 Sites 1.2 Early Coins in Synagogue Deposits 1.3 The Currency of the 5th c. CE 2. Value and Purchasing Power of Money 2.1 Purchasing Power of the Money 3. Coin Collections—Categories and Types 3.1 Hoards 3.2 Caches, Treasuries, Community Boxes 3.3 Coin Assemblages: Large Numbers of Coins Assembled over Long Periods and Placedin Hiding Places or Buried in the Fill or Foundations 3.4 Small Groups of Scattered Coins 3.5 Coins Placed in the Torah Shrine Area Possibly Serving as a Geniza 4. Coins in Context: Discussion and Interpretation Chapter Thirteen Women 1. Images and Representations of Women 1.1 The Zodiac Sign of Virgo 1.2 The Seasons 1.3 The Jewelry and Attire of Female Figures 1.4 Head Ornamentation 1.5 Neck Ornamentation 1.6 Attire 2. Women’s Status in the Ancient Synagogue 2.1 Women in the Synagogue 2.2 Did Women Participate in a Special Section of the Synagogue Building, Separately from Men? 2.3 Women in Office 2.4 Women Donors Chapter Fourteen Dating 1. Synagogues Dated by Inscriptions 2. Dating Galilean Synagogues 2.1 Dating of the Upper Galilee Synagogues 2.2 Other Galilean Synagogues 2.3 Dating of the East Lower Galilee Synagogues 3. Dating Golan Synagogues 3.1 Qasrin 3.2 Dabiyye 3.3 Deir ʿAziz 3.4 ʿEn Nashut 3.5 Kanaf 3.6 Umm el-Qanatir 4. Dating of Other Synagogues 4.1 Hammath Tiberias A 4.2 Maʿoz Hayyim 4.3 South Judean Synagogues 4.4 ʿEn Gedi 4.5 Maʿon (Nirim) 5. Discussion 5.1 Dating of the Galilean Synagogues 5.2 Dating the Golan Synagogues 5.3 Chronological Development of the Synagogues by Artistic and Stylistic Décor Chapter Fifteen Conclusions Supplement: Qazion—A Galilean Riddle 1. The Qazion Complex: The Monumental Main Cultic Building, the Pools,and the Western Structure 1.1 The Northern Façade 1.2 The Western Façade 1.3 The Hall 1.4 The Pools and Causeway 1.5 Entrance to the Qazion Main Building 1.6 The Western Structure and Altar 2. Architectural Elements and Decoration 3. The Finds 3.1 The Pottery 3.2 The Coins 4. The Inscribed Lintel 4.1 The Inscription 4.2 Dating of the Inscription 4.3 The Qazion Inscription in Context 5. Qazion in Context 5.1 Dating of the Qazion Monumental Complex 6. Interpretation and Significance of the Qazion Structure 7. Concluding Remarks Qazion Appendix: List of Loci (Fig. Q-6) Qazion Bibliography List of Synagogue Excavations List of Abbreviations Bibliography Glossary Index Index of Sources Ancient Synagogues - Archaeology and Art. New Discoveries and Current Research presents archaeological evidence - the architecture, art, Jewish symbols, zodiac, biblical tales, inscriptions, and coins - which attest to the importance of the synagogue. When considered as a whole, all these pieces of evidence confirm the centrality of the synagogue institution in the life of the Jewish communities all through Israel and in the Diaspora. Most importantly, the synagogue and its art and architecture played a powerful role in the preservation of the fundamental beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Jewish people following the destruction of the Second Temple and the loss of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. The book also includes a supplement of the report on the Qazion excavation. -- Publisher website Introduction The synagogue Second Temple Period synagogues Recently excavated and newly published synagogues Synagogue architecture and ornamentalism Synagogue art, significance and impact Jewish symbols The Jewish calendar represented in the zodiac design Illustrated Biblical tales Motifs in Jewish synagogue art Artists, workshops and repertoire Inscriptions Coins and the synagogue Women Dating Conclusions Supplement : Qazion-a Galilean riddle List of synagogue excavations List of abbreviations Bibliography Glossary Index Index of sources Color plates.