The Ancient Synagogue

The course studies the history of the synagogue from its origins to the end of Late Antiquity (c., 600 CE). Through a study of ancient literary sources, inscriptions, archaeological remains, and art work, the course examines the development of the synagogue, its design and decoration, the people who built, led, and worshiped there, and its role in the Jewish community.

Basic Reference Works

Encyclopaedia Judaica (2nd ed., 2007) (available in the University library)

Jewish Virtual Library: jewishvirtuallibrary.org

Basic Texts on the Ancient Synagogue (available in the University library)

Rachel Hachlili, Ancient Synagogues–Archaeology and Art: News Discoveries and Current Research (HdO. Section 1: Ancient Near East: 105; Leiden, 2013)

Lee I. Levine, The Ancient Synagogue: The First Thousand Years (New Haven, 2005)

Magdalena Maciudzińska-Kamczycka, Żydzi i judaizm w zwierciadle sztuki antycznej (Warsaw, 2014)

Anders Runesson, et al., eds., The Ancient Synagogue from Its Origins to 200 C.E.: A Source Book (Leiden, 2008)

Rina Talgam, Mosaics of Faith: Floors of Jewish, Samaritans, and Christians in the Holy Land (University Park, PA: Penn State University Press, 2014)

Websites on Synagogues (ancient and modern)

Ancient synagogues: http://synagogues.kinneret.ac.il/ C Medieval and modern synagogues: http://www.synagogues360.org/index.php

Synagogues of Europe: http://historicsynagogueseurope.org/synagoguemap

CLASS TOPICS AND READINGS

Historical Overview

1. (19 February) Jews in the Ancient World

2. (26 February) Building God’s House: Tabernacle and Temple

Synagogue Design and Decoration

3. (5 March) No class

4. (12 March) Synagogue Origins and Early Development

5. (19 March) Focused Study: The Synagogue in Dura Europos

6. (26 March) Synagogues in the Western Diaspora

7. (2 April) Focused Study: The Synagogue in Sardis

8. (9 April) Synagogues in Byzantine Palestine

9. (16 April) Focused Study: The Synagogue in Capernaum

10. (23 April) Art in Late Antique Synagogues: Biblical Scenes and Motifs

11. (30 April) Art in Late Antique Synagogues: The Zodiac

The Synagogue and Its People

12. (7 May) Synagogue Leadership: Priests, Sages, and Donors

13. (14 May) Women and the Synagogue

14. (21 May) Synagogue Liturgy

15. (28 May) Synagogues Among Jews and Christians

16. (4 June) Conclusion

Each week, a series of texts and images will be assigned. You will be expected to attend class, have read and/or examined the assigned material, and be prepared to discuss their significance. Grades will depend on participation in discussions.