The Magdala Synagogue and the Magdala Stone
This is Magdala Synagogue in 2011. (Screenshot from Magdala’s video)
This was Magdala is in 2018. Already being protected by the roof. (And hotel building behind it was built)
There are only 7 synagogues in Israel from the 1st century. The Magdala administration regards this place as a “crossroads” of Jewish and Christian History. Jews come to Magdala to see this synagogue too! There is a podium called Magdala Stone found in the synagogue with Menorah on it. Nothing like this has been found in Israel!
This is the front side. You can see a three-legged and 7 branches lampstand (Menorah) on a cabinet. There is a huge clay jug on each side, and then a pillar. (Could it be Jachin pillar and Boaz pillar?)
The sides of Magdala Stone. I don’t know if there’s a special meaning to the geometrical design…. on bottom right, the topic was grain offering and oil lamp.
This synagogue existed before the Second Temple was destroyed. The artist/carpenter must be a Jew who had seen the real Menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem. Therefore it makes the discovery of Magdala Stone remarkably precious. And once again, this finding proves the connection of Jewish people to this land.
The front of the synagogue. The first room is an entrance hall. Behind it there’s a reading hall where the congregation reads the Torah together. Even till today you can see the bases of some pillars. It means there used to be roof.
Looking at Magdala Synagogue from the opposite side. You can see a beautiful mosaic floor. It feels like a 5-star synagogue at that time!
On both sides, this is where the congregation sat. A replica of Magdala stone was placed in the place where it was originally found.
You could still see fresco on the wall. How did they preserve colors?
