A Second Temple synagogue in Magdala

The synagogue, one of the oldest known synagogues in the world, was recently uncovered in digs by the Antiquities Authority in Magdala (Migdal). In the middle of the synagogue, that has been dated to the Second Temple period, a stone was found which has a unique seven branched candelabrum (menorah) carved onto it. Its uniqueness is that this is the first time that such a menorah has been found dating back to the Second Temple period.

The synagogue is dated to the years 50 BC to 100 AD. Alongside the walls of the central hall of the  synagogue stone benches were found that served as seating for those who came to the synagogue. The floor was a mosaic and the walls were decorated with colorful frescoes on plaster.

The synagogue is one of just six synagogues known to date back to the period of the Second Temple. In the words of the director of the dig, Dina Avshalom Rogni, from the Antiquities Authority, this is a moving and unique find.

It should be mentioned that since 1926 when digs were done at this place, it was argued that the building was a synagogue and the contemporary digs bear out this supposition.

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