Excavation of an early third-century synagogue at Sheik Abreik in southern Palestine, shedding new light on the Jews of the era following the destruction of the second temple, was announced today by an expedition of the Palestine Jewish exploration society. Dr. Benjamin Meizler, head of the expedition, said he believed a much older synagogue lay underneath and digging would continue.
Greek and Hebrew inscriptions found on the walls of the synagogue’s antechamber are being turned over to the Hebrew university for study. It is believed that the discovery will afford a link between the Palestine Jews in the era of the second temple — which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. — and those of the Talmudic epoch after the dispersion of the Jews.
The main hall of the synagogue measures 35 by 15 meters and contains 20 pillars with artistically carved capitals. The antechamber is 25 meters long and its marble faced walls bear the inscriptions. Numerous art objects were found, including a large marble menorah, or seven-branched candlestick.
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