Mariana Bravo, who helps run the Church’s Magdala Center. there, called the site a "cross-roads of Jewish and Christian history" because the synagogue existed during and after the time of Jesus but before there was any formal split between Judaism and Christianity. "In here, we have a place that helps us to recognize what we share in common,” Bravo reportedly said.
Above: synagogue's bima, Magadal Center Magdala Centre - © Ofira Koopmans, dpa
Ancient Synagogue Where Jesus May Have Lectured Found In Israel
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
A Catholic organization, the Legions of Christ, bought land in the Galilee and started the process of building a Christian pilgrims' hotel, an inter-faith chapel, a restaurant and a women's shelter.
In Israel, archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority are mandatory before any construction, and when archeologists started digging they found 1st-century synagogue – one of only seven known to exist worldwide.
What makes this synagogue unique is that it is located in the town of Magdala – a town frequented by Jesus where Mary Magdalene lived.
"This is the first synagogue ever excavated where Jesus walked and preached," Father Eamon Kelly, the head of the Catholic group, told the German DPA press agency.
The synagogue is thought to have been built about 1 CE and upgraded in 40 CE.
A limestone block in the center of the synagogue appears to be the bimah from which the Torah was read and rabbis lectured. On the block is a carved menorah – the oldest ever found carved on stone. The second oldest is on the Arch of Titus in Rome, dated to 82 CE.
The synagogue was destroyed in 67 or 68 AD during the first war with Romans that ended with the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Archaeologists also found fishing pools and mikvahs (ritual baths).
There are still 12 acres left to excavate and archaeologists think what they may be uncovering is the entire ancient city itself.
The site was formally opened to tourists in May.
Mariana Bravo, who helps run the Church’s Magdala Center. there, called the site a "cross-roads of Jewish and Christian history" because the synagogue existed during and after the time of Jesus but before there was any formal split between Judaism and Christianity.
"In here, we have a place that helps us to recognize what we share in common,” Bravo reportedly said.