Focusing on what archaeology and written sources can tell us about the use of lighting and incense, [Prof. Karen B. Stern's] BAR article explores how ancient people experienced synagogues through their senses of sight and smell. To address these questions, Stern turns to smaller artifacts from ancient synagogues that were used for lighting and burning of incense or other aromatics. These include various types of lamps, incense burners, and ritual shovels.The BAR article is behind the subscription wall, but this BHD essay summarizes it.
For more on Professor Stern's work, notably on ancient Jewish graffiti, see here and links.
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