Synagogue Complete

ID: 162

Building type: basilical synagogue

Context:

urban/rural

Site:

Inscriptions:

245

Description:

Architectural study and associated finds indicate that the synagogue at Horvat Kur underwent multiple construction and refurbishment phases. The sequence begins with an earlier structure dedicated to Jewish worship, predating the broad-house hall of basilical character erected in the first half of the fifth century CE. The JPA inscription is attributed to this pre-basilical phase, preceding the late antique, column-supported prayer hall. The fifth-century building was largely constructed of basalt: its walls comprised two parallel faces, the exterior being dressed while the interior was packed with smaller, unworked stones. A central, double-leaf doorway set in the western wall functioned as the main entrance from the village. Following heavy damage, probably caused by an earthquake, the fifth-century synagogue was rebuilt. In this second principal phase, dated to the late sixth century CE, a portico was added to the west of the western wall, benches were installed along the interior walls, and a large bema was affixed to the southern wall. Around the turn of the seventh century, the interior was reconfigured again, with additional low benches inserted between the columns to expand seating. During these modifications, a basalt block shaped as a low table was recovered as a reused element (spolium) from one of the benches. This piece bears figurative decoration on one face and geometric motifs on the other three and recalls a comparable object from Magdala, which is intricately carved and has been interpreted as possibly depicting the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Horvat Kur example, however, is of different material and derives from a secondary context, and its original function remains debated. The synagogue appears to have fallen out of use and been abandoned in the second half of the seventh century. For further reading: - Zangenberg, J. K. 2017. The menorah on the mosaic floor from the late Roman/Early Byzantine synagogue at Horvat Kur, Israel Exploration Journal 67, 110–126. - Zangenberg, J. K. 2019. New Observations on the “Basalt Stone Table” from Horvat Kur, Galilee, Strata. Bulletin of the Anglo-Israel Archaeological Society 37, 95–111. - https://kinneret-excavations.org/tel-kinrot/horvat-kur - https://synagogues.kinneret.ac.il/synagogues/kur/