Synagogue Complete
ID: 12
Building type: basilical synagogue
Context:
rural
Site:
‘Isfiya; Husifah
Description:
The pavement of the synagogue hall centers on a tripartite composition. Its largest field, positioned to the east, features the zodiac. The middle register is dominated by a vine trellis enclosing two birds, possibly peacocks. The smallest panel, located on the west, carries an Aramaic inscription. At the western end of the room, a wreath enclosing a Hebrew inscription is set between two menorahs. A wide mosaic frieze with geometric patterns runs along the perimeter of the hall. The structure appears to have been destroyed during Justinian’s measures against the Jewish community. M. Avi Yonah, “Husifah” [in:] The New Encyclopedia of Archeological Excavations in the Holy Land. 1993: 637–638 https://synagogues.kinneret.ac.il/synagogues/isfiya/