![\"Sepphoris](\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/wnet\/story-jews\/files\/2014\/03\/frontfullview-1024x768.jpg\")
The synagogue in Sepphoris, also known as Tzippori or by its ancient name, Diocesaraea, was a refuge for Jews pushed out of Jerusalem after the fall of the 2nd Temple. Known for its ornate tile work, Sepphoris was a place of intense devotion and study, where every religious discussion came back to the critical issue of how to be and stay Jewish in Galilee.<\/p>\n
The mosaic covering the floor of the ancient Sepphoris synagogue was uncovered in 1993 by a construction crew breaking ground on a parking lot. Archaeologists were quickly called to the site to begin a major excavation. After several years of careful work, the team from Hebrew University was able to salvage this visually stunning piece of history and open the synagogue to visitors. <\/p>\n
The mosaic is broken up into seven distinct panels. At the center lies a circular representation of the Hebrew Zodiac, with the twelve months revolving around the sun. Each piece of the mosaic is heavily embedded with meaning and many reference the merging of Jewish and Greek society during the Hellenistic period, with Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic characters throughout.<\/p>\n
Click on the illustrated panels below to view detailed photographs and learn more about this richly symbolic religious artifact. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The synagogue in Sepphoris, also known as Tzippori or by its ancient name, Diocesaraea, was a refuge for Jews pushed out of Jerusalem after the fall of the 2nd Temple. Known for its ornate tile work, Sepphoris was a place … Continue reading