Ancient Synagogues in Israel

Dates: Sunday, October 28, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Speaker: Professor Jodi Magness

Dr. Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Over 100 synagogue buildings, dating from the first to seventh centuries C.E., have been uncovered in ancient Israel. The slide-illustrated lecture will survey the buildings, focusing especially on the surprising pagan motifs that decorate some of them, and considering such questions as where and when the institution of the synagogue originated.

Professor Magness will demonstrate that synagogues that were clearly built for religious purposes don't appear in the archaeological record until the fourth century. This lecture will trace the religious focus of the synagogue in the fourth century CE to Christianity being declared the official religion of the Roman Empire and detail the ensuing competition for the allegiance of Jewish residents of Israel between Judaism and Christianity.

Program is held at and co-sponsored by:

Also co-sponsored by:

• Biblical Archaeology Society of Northern Virginia (BASONOVA)
• Biblical Archaeology Forum (BAF)

Paid admission at the door, cash or check only:

• $10 - General Admission
• $8 - Members of the Foundation for Jewish Studies, JCC, BASONOVA, or BAF
• $5 - College Students
• Free - High School Students