Near Arad in Tamar Regional Council, Southern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
The Synagogue
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
1. The Synagogue Marker
Close-up view of the text on the historical marker.
"Long since, my brave men, we determined neither to serve the Romans nor any other save God ..."
Josephus Flavius
The rebels' way of life on Masada required a building suitable for community meetings and Torah readings. This building, which became a synagogue during the revolt, was built in Herod's time, most likely as a stable.
The rebels changed its internal structure and even closed off a small room in the corner of the hall, which apparently served for storage of Torah scrolls and as a genizah (repository for damaged scrolls). Under its floor were found fragments of Biblical scrolls, including the "Vision of the Dry Bones" in the Book of Ezekiel. The synagogue at Masada is one of the very few discovered so far that date from the Second Temple period.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Patriots & Patriotism • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Synagogues series list.
Location. 31° 19.042′ N, 35° 21.193′ E. Marker is near Arad, Southern District, in Tamar Regional Council. It can be reached from Masada National Park Service Road just west of National Route 90, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, it is in Asia, specifically in West Asia, in the Middle East, in The Levant, on the Red Sea, in a coastal Mediterranean country, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, a British Mandate, and the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The "Casemate of the Scrolls" (a few steps from this marker); The Water Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rebel's Community Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The Discovery Location of the "Lots" (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbarium Tower (dovecot) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); How can one survive here? (about 90 meters away); Bathing in Roman Style (about 90 meters away); The Breaching Point (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arad.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. Masada. This is a link to information provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Masada. Bible Walks website entry (Submitted on June 4, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
2. The Synagogue Marker
Close-up view of an artist's rendering of the synagogue located at Masada, that is displayed on the historical marker.
3. Masada - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This is a link to information provided by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (Submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 10, 2023
3. The Synagogue Marker
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
4. The Synagogue
Interior view of the ruins of the synagogue located at Masada.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
5. The Synagogue
Another interior view of the synagogue featured on the Masada historical marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013
6. The Synagogue
View of a rabbi, copying scripture, in the synagogue, atop Masada.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 597 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 3. submitted on April 12, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 2, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
