ARCHAEOLOGY:
Archaeologists reveal what they discovered in first century Russian Jewish quarter. Researchers find the oldest synagogue outside of Israel that stood for about 500 years; The ancient neighborhood in southwest Russia includes an irrigation system and residential structures (Itamar Eichner, Ynet News).
[An ancient "table" excavated in the building] bears the ancient Greek inscription for synagogue and has been named one of the world's oldest synagogues and the oldest synagogue outside Israel by experts. ...
The archaeologists initially thought they had discovered an ancient Christian church, but as they dug deeper they discovered objects with Jewish symbols. Among other things, the remains of three remarkable marble menorahs and a stone lid of a charity box were uncovered. The building, with a total area of 140 square meters, included two rooms: a prayer hall, with three rows of benches, a platform, and a small room. The second room was probably used for meals and community meetings.
Next to the synagogue was a winery, where kosher wine was made, and a building where food for community meals was stored. There was also a garden behind the building which probably served as the mikveh. The archaeologists also located clay barrels for irrigation, residential buildings, and a water supply system. Copper coins were discovered in excavations on the floor of the synagogue. Some of them were placed near the platform and the benches. Additional coins were found near the lid of the charity donation box. A total of 58 copper coins were found at the site.
Regarding the inscription, The Greek Reporter has more in
World’s Oldest Synagogue Outside Israel Discovered in Russia (Abdul Moeed):
One tablet features the Greek word “synagein,” which means synagogue, leading experts to recognize it as one of the oldest synagogues ever discovered and the oldest outside Israel.
The Greek word
synagein (συναγειν) is an infinitive meaning "to gather together, assemble." It does not mean "synagogue." It could fit into a Jewish, Christian, or other context. That said, the material culture assemblage does sound Jewish, the menorahs especially.
What are these "tables" or "tablets?" A decorated stone table of comparable date was excavated several years ago near Beit El. But we also know of inscribed stone plaques or tablets that may have been associated with synagogues. The Samaritan decalogue is one example. There is also the Kursi inscription and an inscribed plaque excavated in Turkey. But all of these are from late antiquity, so later than this object. Either "table" or "tablet" seems possible with current information. A photo would be nice.
We look forward to hearing more about this important site in Phanagoria.
UPDATE (20 November): The above was originally posted yesterday. Now I see that I already noted this story back in August. Follow the link for lots more information about the synagogue and the excavation. Notably, the Newsweek article solves the mystery of the tables/tablets: they seem to be "fragments of marble stelae—upright stone slabs bearing inscriptions or illustrations." And the Haaretz article gives details about the quite solid epigraphic evidence for the building being a synagogue.
Also, Popular Archaeology has published a new press release on the site: World’s Oldest Synagogue Found to Be Part of Ancient Jewish Quarter (Volnoe Delo Foundation).
It reports some new details, including the following:
Several Jewish manumissions dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD were also discovered in the Jewish quarter. These documents granted freedom to slaves on the condition that they continue serving at the synagogue. This missionary work allowed the Jewish community to ensure safety during times of persecution against Jews
The August Haaretz article referred briefly to one such document, but it seems there are more now. The discovery of Jewish texts of a date comparable to the Dead Sea Scrolls, if that is substantiated, is a major event. I do want to know more about them and how they have been dated. The climate of Phanagoria isn't likely to preserve leather or papyrus documents. Are these stone inscriptions displayed in the synagogue? (Sounds like it.) How are they dated? What is their stratigraphic context? And, not least, what exactly do they say?
In any case, as above, this site is a remarkable discovery.
Please excuse the earlier post slipping my mind. Increasingly I find that PaleoJudaica serves as my backup memory.
UPDATE (28 November): More here.
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