One of the Best Preserved Ancient Synagogues in Israel

In a past issue of the Biblical Archaeology Review the process of the reconstruction of the synagogue at Umm el–Kanatir was described.  The following are some images of the site.  Additional images of this interesting synagogue can be viewed on my website.  See HERE for a recent Jerusalem Post article on the synagoguge.

Entrance to synagogue at Umm el–Qanatir

Umm el–Q/Kanatir (The Mother of the Arch) is a site located on the upper reaches of the Wadi Samekh, 5 mi. [8.5 km.] east of the Sea of Galilee on the Golan Heights.  It boasts one of the best-preserved ancient synagogues in the land—90% of the remains (collapsed) were still in place after the earthquake of AD 749.  It is in the process of being reconstructed (anastylosis) by Yehoshua Dray and his colleagues.

Menorah — One of Several Found in the Remains of the Synagogue at Umm el–Qanatir

The village—ancient name not known—was constructed in the fourth or fifth century AD and was destroyed by the devastating earthquake of AD 749.

Spring and Flax Processing Installation

In addition to the synagogue, remnants of a flax processing installation have been discovered by the spring in the village.

To view additional high-resolution images of Umm el-Qanatir Click Here.

For additional information about Umm el–Q/Kanatir see Yeshu Dray’s web site and Singer, Suzanne F. “Rising Again — Hi–tech Tools Reconstruct Umm el–Kanatir.”Biblical Archaeological Review vol. 33, no. 6 (November/December, 2007): 52–55, 59.

For the recent article see:  Ben David, Chaim. “Um [sic] el–Kanatir — Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again.” Biblical Archaeological Review 42, no. 4 (July/August 2016): 40–49.

See also the recent Jerusalem Post article.

Reconstructing an Ancient Synagogue

In a previous post I wrote about the very impressive synagogue at Umm el-Qanatir on the western side of the Golan Heights.  Yeshu Dray has for years been involved in its restoration.

Left — the beautiful “eagle capital” being use in a Syrian house
on the Golan Heights (= spolia)
Right —the fragment being moved back to Umm el-Qanatir
Click on Image to view important details

Yeshu Dray has posted 14 pages of photos that illustrate the modern restoration techniques that he is using (be sure to click on “Current Projects” and then “Season 2011.”  These photos illustrate the use of silicone to imitate texture on columns, lintels and other stones;  the setting up of columns (anastylosis); the use of polystyrene and even embedding modern coins in the reconstruction—so that future generations will not confuse the reconstructed elements with the ancient ones!  IMHO a very interesting sequence of photos!

Yeshu Dray holding raw flax on the right and processed flax on the left
At Umm el-Qanatir he found an ancient flax processing installation

To view additional images of Umm el-Qanatir Click Here.