MEA Weekly Picture from Israel

Pictures from Israel

Click to Enlarge

 Avir In the ruins of the Masada Synagogue

Avir is sitting on one of the benches along the wall of the ancient synagogue which served the Jewish rebels living in Masada before the Roman army finally captured this small mountain in AD73. It was a bitter-sweet victory for the Romans as the Jewish defenders decided to mass suicide rather than surrender and die, or worse, to be taken as slaves.

The synagogue comprised four tiers of plastered benches along the walls, as well as columns to support its ceiling. The hall measured 12.5 x 10.5 metres, and was incorporated into the north-western section of Masada. This particular synagogue which predates the destruction of the second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., is considered to be a good example of synagogues at this time.

The site was identified in 1842, but intensive excavations began in 1955 by Professor Yadin along with volunteers from many countries. Some of the amazing archaeological finds included an ancient ‘ostracon’ which is an inscribed potsherd. This example bears the Hebrew inscription me’aser kohen meaning ‘tithe for the priest’. Ostraca were common writing materials used mainly for writing receipts, temporary records or lists of names which had Hebrew lettering on them. Other articles found included fragments of two scrolls, parts of Deuteronomy and Ezekiel 37 (including the vision of the “dry bones”). These were found hidden in pits dug under the floor of a small room built inside the synagogue. Other small finds of artifacts, include pottery and stone vessels, coins and shekels. There were also weapons (mainly arrowheads), remnants of textiles and foodstuffs preserved in the dry climate of this area.

A heavy black ragged line has been painted on the back wall of the synagogue behind where Avir is sitting. This line divides the top section of the wall which is the restored part and below is the original wall found at the time of the excavation.

MEA Weekly Picture from Israel

Pictures from Israel

Click to Enlarge

Avir is making his way down a steep descent to the Northern Palace of King Herod, situated at Masada.   King Herod, ruled Israel on behalf of the Roman Empire at the end of the first century B.C.E.  During his reign he built splendid cities, fortresses and villas.  At Masada, he built two massive constructions on this mountain top.  This included two luxurious palaces, a swimming pool, several lavish bathhouses, and a giant water system.  Hence became known as King Herod the Great.

The Northern Palace is located on the highest part of the mountain.  It is built on three levels along the northern edge of the cliff and commands magnificent views of the Dead Sea, the adjoining mountains and desert.   On the upper terrace of the Northern Palace one can find the remains of the living quarters for the king and a semi-circular portico.  A stairway continue down to the middle terrace that was a decorative circular reception hall.  The lower terrace was also for receptions and banquets. It was enclosed on all four side with porticos and included a Roman bathhouse.    The bath house was not only for washing but also for relaxing, enjoying spa-type treatments and for socializing.  Private bath houses were a luxury afforded for only the very wealthy, especially those living on Masada in the middle of the desert, where water was a rare and valuable commodity.

Masada National Park was declared a United Nations World Heritage Site in 2001.