Beth Alpha Synagogue
Set on the tranquil grounds of Kibbutz Hefziba, the Beth Alpha synagogue is one of Israel’s most puzzling archaeological discoveries. Despite the Rabbinical ban, its ornate mosaic floor bears figurative art and even pagan symbols, whose exact meaning remains a mystery.
The Discovery of Beth Alpha Synagogue
In 1928, Hefziba Kibbutz members discovered by chance the Beth Alpha synagogue, while while digging for a new dining hall. The excavations, led by archaeologist E.L. Sukenik from the Hebrew University, uncovered a synagogue whose main prayer hall bears a colorful mosaic floor with images set in three distinct panels. At the southern end, two images of a Menorah flank an ark. Beneath them, two lions stand next to a shofar, a Lulav, and an incense shovel. Near the entrance, a simplified yet clear image of the offering of Isaac is presented. Abraham has his hand raised, yet above him, the hand of God appears, commanding him to stop (Genesis 22:12).
The main centerpiece presents the 12 signs of the Zodiac around the sun god, Helios, riding his four-horse chariot (quadriga) across the sky. The combination of clear Jewish and pagan symbols, and figurative art, surprised the archaeologists. Today, such combinations are known from more sites in Israel (cf. Sepphoris, Hamat Tiberias, and more). However, their meaning is still being debated among scholars. An Aramaic dedicatory inscription near the entrance indicates the floor was installed around the time of Emperor Justinian I in the early sixth century CE.
See Danny “the Digger” Herman presenting the Beth Alpha synagogue on “The Watchman” Show –
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Touring Beth-Alpha Synagogue
Today, the site is a national park. It is open every day of the week and charges an admission fee. An audio-visual presentation projected on the mosaic floor is beneficial to discern all its details. It presents daily life in the ancient village, the making of the mosaic, and its artistic style.
A tour to Beth-Alph Synagogue can be combined with a day tour in the north.
Setting a Bar-Mitzvah in Beth-Alpha Synagogue
The Beth-Alpha synagogue is covered and air-conditioned, with a wooden deck around the mosaic. This makes the site a comfortable choice for an intimate Bar-Mitzvah event, especially in the hot summer months. Furthermore, its combined pagan scenes and figurative art demonstrate well the more liberal attitude of Rabbis in the past. This makes Beth-Alpha synagogue a perfect choice for a Bar-Mitzvah or Bat-Mitzvah event, for Jews of all denominations. It connects the child’s festive day to Judaism in the past in such a remarkable and tangible way.
