A synagogue from the Second Temple period (50 BC – 100 AD) was uncovered in archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in Migdal on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. In the middle of the synagogue is a stone that is engraved with a seven-branched menorah (candelabrum), the likes of which has never before been seen.
“We are dealing with an exciting and unique find,” said the excavation director, Dina Avshalom-Gorni of the IAA. “This is the first time that a menorah decoration has been discovered from the days when the Second Temple was still standing…. We can assume that the engraving that appears on the stone … was done by an artist who saw the seven-branched menorah with his own eyes in the Temple in Jerusalem. The synagogue that was uncovered joins just six other synagogues in the world that are known to date to the Second Temple period.”
The main hall of the synagogue is 120 square meters in area, and its stone benches, which served as seats for the worshippers, were built up against the walls of the hall. Its floor was made of mosaic and its walls were treated with colored plaster (frescos). A square stone – the top and four sides of which are adorned with reliefs – was discovered in the hall, and it was on this stone where the engraved menorah was found. In the engraving, the seven-branched menorah appears atop a pedestal with a triangular base, which is flanked on either side by an amphora (jar).
The company developing the site intends to establish a center of dialogue and respect between the different religions and cultures, and expects to attract tourists and visitors from Israel and from around the world to visit the center and view the finding. The site is currently closed to visitors but will be opened to the public in the future.
See the wonders of modern – and ancient – Israel in person! Discover all you need to know about visiting Israel at www.goisrael.com.