The Land of Israel during the Second Temple period was a turbulent and transformative time, ending with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Many of us grew up with the belief that the Destruction Revolt ("the Great Revolt" of 70 CE) and the Bar Kokhba revolt that followed about 60 years later (132-136 CE) marked the beginning of a 2,000-year exile, effectively signaling the end of Jewish settlement in the land. But that's not the whole story.
The synagogues from the Second Temple period (1st century CE) and those from the Byzantine period (3rd-7th centuries CE) are not just impressive archaeological remains; they also provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Jewish communities in the land during those years. This raises an interesting question: When exactly were these synagogues built? Do they stand here from the days of the Second Temple, testifying to a period that preceded the destruction? Or are they later, from the 4th and 5th centuries CE?
Sometimes, like in a good detective story, it can be difficult to unravel the mystery. The archaeological findings are not always definitive, and we often encounter the reuse of the same structures across different periods. It's like finding an ancient coin inside a modern box – does that mean the box is as old as the coin? Not necessarily. The interpretation of the findings can also differ among researchers, adding another layer of complexity.
But here comes the truly important point: the existence of synagogues from the 4th and 5th centuries tells us a different story than the one we grew up with. A story of continuity. A story of Jewish communities that lived and thrived in the Land of Israel even after the Destruction Revolt and even after the Bar Kokhba revolt. This is a narrative that does not align with the simplistic notion of "One Great Exile" following "the Great Revolt."
The study of ancient synagogues not only teaches us about architecture and daily life during that time but also sheds new light on the continuity of the Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel. It tells us a story of resilience, steadfastness, and the ongoing cultural and spiritual existence, despite all the challenges. This is a story that is important to recognize and remember.
Images:
The synagogue in Gamla, 1st century CE
The square stone found in the synagogue in Magdala 1st century CE
The synagogue in Arbel 4th century CE
Mosaic from the synagogue in Tzipori 5th century CE
