History of Israel –The Synagogue in Capernaum
This splendid 2-story Capernaum synagogue is a fine example of Roman architecture, built in the early third century A.D. from white ornately-carved calcareous stone. It sits by the shores of Lake Kinneret (the Galilee) and is one of the oldest synagogues in the world.
Rabbi Yeshua and His disciples spent much of their time in the Galilee area, both in Capernaum, in synagogues and in the countryside—healing, teaching and praying. This area is most likely where Yeshua healed on the Sabbath day, taught Torah law and wisdom from the hillsides, raised Yairus’s daughter from the dead as cited in Mark 5:21-43, as well as many other things, including in Matthew 17:24-27, instructing His disciples to catch a fish so they could pay the Temple tax.
This synagogue is built on top of the original synagogue that existed during Yeshua’s life, and like its predecessor, faces east towards Jerusalem. Greek and Aramaic inscriptions can be found on the site. Josephus Flavius mentions Capernaum because he was brought there after being wounded in battle. For many centuries, this small town of about 1500 people, was inhabited by both Jews and Christians.
It became a prosperous town spread over some thirteen acres, and the inhabitants were mainly farmers, merchants and of course fishermen. However, many of these Roman structures were all-but-destroyed in the earthquake of 749 A.D. and Capernaum was abandoned sometime before the Crusaders arrived.
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