Search
Close this search box.

Jericho Synagogue

Destinations in Jericho

The Jericho synagogue (Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue) dates to the late 6th or early 7th century CE and was discovered in Jericho in 1936. All that remains from the ancient prayer house is its mosaic floor, which contains an Aramaic inscription presenting thanks to the synagogue donors, and a well-preserved central medallion with the inscription “Shalom al Yisrael”, “Peace on Israel”. This led to the site also being known as Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue.



The Discovery of Jericho Synagogue

The synagogue, dating from the Byzantine period, was revealed in excavations conducted in 1936 by Dimitri Baramki of the Department of Antiquities under the British Mandate. The well-off Arab Jerusalemite, Husni Shahwan, who owned the land, built a house on top of the mosaic, careful to preserve it. The mosaic floor incorporates Jewish symbols such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple Menorah, a shofar, and a lulav. There is also a Hebrew inscription, “Peace [up]on Israel” (שלום על ישראל), after which the mosaic was named. The phrase “Peace on Israel” has been widely used on Jewish and sometimes Samaritan synagogue floors from the Byzantine and the Early Muslim period in one known case.

Hasmonean Royal Winter Palaces


Elisha's Spring Jericho


In This Photo: Elisha’s Spring in Jericho

Ancient Synagogues in Palestine

Ancient synagogues in Palestine refer to synagogues and their remains in the region commonly referred to as Israel, built by the Jewish and Samaritan communities from the time of the Hasmonean dynasty during the Late Hellenistic period, to the Late Byzantine period. Numerous inscriptions have been found in the ancient synagogues of the Land of Israel; the vast majority of these, c.140, are in Aramaic, with another c.50 in Greek and only a few in Hebrew.

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!

Monastery of the Temptation

RELATED POSTS

Mount Gerizim National Park

Mount Gerizim National Park is the holiest for Samaritans but not only. The Hebrew Bible mentions Mt. Gerizim as well. Click Here for more!

Weizmann House

The Weizmann House was built in 1936 as the private home of the first President of Israel, Chaim Weizmann, and first First Lady, Vera.

Museum of the Underground Prisoners

The Museum of the Underground Prisoners in Acre commemorates the Jewish underground prisoners who fought for the independence of Israel.

Best National Parks in Israel

Which are the best National Parks in Israel? So I've compiled a shortlist of my top 5 parks for those planning to visit the Holy Land ...

Old Gesher Yard

The old Gesher is a site where the founders of the Kibbutz first settled. Now it serves as a heritage museum for the history of ...

Hurshat Tal National Park

Hurshat Tal National Park is home to a recreation resort with campgrounds and lawns and is a real attraction for locals and tourists alike.

Calvary

Mt. Calvary is located within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and is believed to be where Jesus was crucified.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi is a top popular attraction in Israel. A natural oasis in the middle of the desert you can explore and cool off during ...

Church of the Flagellation

The Church of the Flagellation is believed to be where the Roman soldiers flogged Jesus after he was sentenced to death.

Museum of Underground Prisoners Jerusalem

The Museum of Underground Prisoners in Jerusalem is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Israel's struggle for independence.

Need help?

Skip to content