The History and Present Status of Ancient Synagogue Studies

Abstract

This is anintroduction to the studies of ancient synagogues. The achievements in this particular field by the Palestine Exploration Fund, Deutsche Orient-Geselschaft, the Department of Antiquities of Palestine government, Jewish Palestine Exploration Society, Hebrew University/Jerusalem, Ecole Biblique et Archéologique Française, Yale University, the Department of Antiquities of Israel Government, and Louis Rabinowitz Fund are chronologically described. Thus synagogues at Na'aran, Beth Alpha, Jerash, el Hammeh, Dura-Europos, Tell-es-Sultan, Eshtemo'a, Caesarea, Aegina, Salbit, Ma'on etc. are introduced. General development of the style of synagogue architecture is also briefly discussed.
The writer expresses his gratitude to Prof. M. Avi-Yonah of Hebrew University, Jerusalem, for providing valuable materials and information.