Ein Gedi's Ancient Synagogue

Touring Israel

Ein Gedi is an oasis in the Judean Desert of Israel, situated west of the Dead Sea. This place holds historical and religious significance for Jews and Christians alike, thanks to the ancient synagogue discovered there in the 1970s. The synagogue, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century CE, is one of the oldest synagogues in Israel and has provided valuable insights into the early Jewish communities in the region.



Ein Gedi’s Ancient Synagogue was discovered by chance in 1970 during excavations from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The excavations uncovered the remains of a Jewish village that dated back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Among the structures unearthed, the synagogue was the most significant due to its ornate mosaic floors and walls decorated with colorful frescoes.


An Inscription Thanking the Donors for the Repair of the Synagogue in Aramaic From the Synagogue in Ein Gedi, On Display at the Hecht Museum in Haifa.
Credit: Hanay, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ein Gedi’s Ancient Synagogue was built using traditional local materials, such as limestone and basalt, and was designed to face Jerusalem. The synagogue’s interior is decorated with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, such as the binding of Isaac and the story of Jonah and the whale. The walls also bear inscriptions in Hebrew and Aramaic, with some inscriptions mentioning the synagogue donors’ names.

A Burnt Scroll Found at the Site Was Deciphered in 2015 With the Help of CT Technology, and It Turned Out That the Scroll Contained the Beginning of the Book of Leviticus and It Dates to the Sixth Century.


Rockefeller-Archealogical-Museum-Epigraphy-Mosiac-From-Ein-Gedi-Synagogue
Epihraphic Mosaic From the Floor of the Synagogue, On Display at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem.

A Treasure of 5,000 Coins From the 4th Century Dated to the Time of Justinian II (565-578) Was Also Found There. This May Have Been the ‘Charity Box’ of the Synagogue, Bronze Cup, Ornaments Embroidered With Gold Threads and Leaves, and Another Tiny Seven-Caned Lamp Made of Silver.


Ein Gedi Nature Reserve 
Judaean Desert Tour - Ein Gedi Ibex

Ein Gedi’s Ancient Synagogue is a testament to the rich history of Jewish settlement in the region and its builders’ impressive artistry and craftsmanship. Today, visitors can explore the synagogue ruins and gain insight into the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Jewish community that once lived there.


arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Touring Where Jesus Was Tested by Satan

RELATED POSTS

Mamshit National Park

Mampsis is the Nabataean city of Mamshit which became Mamshit National Park in the Negev, part of the Incense Trade Route.

Archaeological Excavations in Tel Jericho

Let's journey through time as we explore the archaeological excavations in Tel Jericho that have unveiled the past mysteries!

Magdala

Magdala is believed to have been the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' closest followers. Rich with archeological finds is a must!

Rimon Winery

Rimon Winery is the only producer of pomegranate wine in the world, and it's well worth a visit! Founded in 2004 by father and son.

Tomb of Benei Hezir

The Tomb of Benei Hezir is a tomb hewn from stone in the historic Mount of Olives Jewish cemetery of Jerusalem. Previously (and mistakenly) known ...

Jericho Synagogue

The Jericho synagogue (Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue) dates to the late 6th or early 7th century CE and was discovered in Jericho in 1936.

Joe Alon Center

The Museum of Bedouin Culture (Joe Alon Center) was founded with the aim of perpetuating the traditional way of life of the Bedouin.

Sde Boker

Sde Boker is a kibbutz in the Negev, about 30 km from Ramon Crater. Known as the residence of David Ben-Gurion in his last years.

Hurva Synagogue

The Hurva Synagogue, also known as Hurvat Rabbi Yehudah he-Hasid, is a historic synagogue located in the Jewish Quarter in Old Town Jerusalem

Atlit Castle

Château Pèlerin (Latin: Castrum Perigrinorum), also known as Atlit Castle, is a Crusader fortress located near Caesarea National Park.

Need help?

Skip to content