THE SYNAGOGUE OF CAPERNAUM

THE WHITE SYNAGOGUE OF CAPERNAUM

The synagogue at Capernaum is a stunning limestone structure located in what was previously the village of Nahum, Sea of Galilee. Known for its profound connection to Jesus of Nazareth teachings and Jewish heritage, built almost entirely of imported white limestone blocks, and adorned with intricate carvings of Jewish symbols that resonate with visitors. This remarkable structure, believed to date to the 4th or 5th century and not the times of Jesus, continues to captivate with its rich historical visitors of the holy land.

After leaving Nazareth, Jesus went to Capernaum, where he would often visit the synagogue on the Sabbath to preach. According to tradition and the gospel of Mark, Jesus healed the servant of a centurion on Sabbath day here and performed many other miracles. Although the actual synagogue Jesus attended cannot be definitively confirmed, tradition connects his teachings with this place. Nearby, the House of Peter, another key site of early Christianity, is preserved and draws visitors from around the world.

How is the Capernaum Synagogue Built?

Based on the excavations at Capernaum, the synagogue was built around the 4th-5th century CE on the remains of an earlier 1st century synagogue or even 2nd century structure. Built on a platform that elevated it above the surrounding buildings, its impressive southern face looking toward Jerusalem made it a prominent landmark in the town.

The synagogue was built almost entirely of white limestone blocks that were brought from distant quarries, contrasting dramatically with the local black basalt used in other buildings. The walls were originally covered with painted plaster, though only fragments remain today.

Archaeological evidence shows multiple phases of construction beneath the foundation of the visible ruins. Two inscriptions were found at the site - one in Greek dedicated to the Emporer and another in Aramaic, providing clues about its history and patronage.

"Ἡρῳδης Μονιμου και Ἰουστος υἰος ἁμα τοις τεκνοις (ἐκτισαν) τον κιονα" - "Herod (the son) of Monimos and his son Justus together with their children erected this column"

The synagogue appears in the Byzantine period, though there's evidence suggesting an earlier synagogue existed at the same location during Jesus's time. Various attempts at restoration of the synagogue have helped preserve key architectural elements, including ornate carvings and architectural details.

Around the Synagogue and the site of Capernaum, excavations revealed Jewish symbols and signs such as the star of David, the Ark of the Covenant, an inscription in Aramaic, pomegranates, figs, and more.

The Case Of Capernaum Synagogue 

The land, which demanded a careful scientific investigation, was purchased and fenced off to protect ancient artifacts from plunder by Catholic Franciscan monks. They continued their investigation at the turn of the twentieth century. Monk Gaudenzio Orfali, a doctor of archeology, devoted his entire life to researching the ancient Capernaum synagogue. He was certain that this was the very structure where Christ himself delivered the sermon.

See Also What Archeologists Say About The Synagogue At Capernaum 

Archaeologists led by Gaudenzio Orfali were successful in restoring a portion of the ancient facade from the ruins. During the restoration process, it was discovered that the synagogue's walls were made of white limestone and that it was surrounded on three sides by rows of high columns. Sculptures of palm trees, vines, lions, and centaurs adorned the interior. The view from the large window was to the south, to the vast expanse of the lake and the distant outlines of the bluish hills beyond which lay Jerusalem.

Stone seats, on which the scribes and Pharisees sat, were preserved on the synagogue's Western wall. The department was located in the building's northern wing. According to Dr. Orfali, it was from here that Christ uttered the words, "I am the bread of life that came down from Heaven."

Gaudenzio Orfali worked tirelessly to restore the ancient Capernaum synagogue. A car accident in 1926 abruptly ended the monk-life archaeologists and work. However, he was responsible for the majority of the restoration activities at this historic site, and after his death, the work stalled for many years. And, for a long time, Dr. Orfali's dating of the building was uncontested.

It wasn't until 1968 that scholars from the Franciscan School of Biblical Research in Jerusalem returned to Capernaum to conduct archaeological research. And they discovered coins from the second half of the fifth century under one of the stones that cover the floor of the ancient synagogue! It turns out that Gaudenzio Orfali was mistaken, and the building was constructed four centuries later, not in the first century.

Further research revealed that the synagogue building has two distinct levels. The upper section is made of limestone blocks that can weigh up to four tons each. The stone was most likely extracted from a quarry not far from here. The ruins were known as the "White Synagogue." According to researchers, it was built by the Jewish community of Capernaum in the fifth century after Christ's birth.

The foundation of the building, however, which was discovered thanks to trenches dug next to the ruins, differed significantly from the superstructure. Because it is made of black volcanic stone, archaeologists dubbed their discovery the Black Synagogue. This foundation was discovered in the first century, according to researchers. The building Christ visited appears to have been destroyed during the Jewish War at the end of the first or beginning of the second century. After a while, a new one was built on its foundation, made of white limestone.

Another person worth mentioning is Charles William Wilson, a British military officer and geographer, who made significant contributions to biblical archaeology through his work with the Palestine Exploration Fund in the 1860s. His pivotal 1866 survey of Capernaum yielded the first accurate maps of the ruins and crucial documentation of the synagogue's remains before subsequent excavations. By creating detailed records of the ancient site, Wilson not only provided invaluable early documentation of Capernaum but also established a baseline that has enabled scholars to track changes in the archaeological site over time, cementing his legacy in the field of biblical archaeology.

Late Version of the Synagogue in Capernaum

The fact that the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II issued a ban on the construction of new synagogues in 439 lends credence to the version that the later building of the "white synagogue" was built on an ancient foundation. Because the coins discovered at the base of the floor of the "white synagogue" date from the fifties and seventies of the fifth century, implying that they were issued after the passage of this law, the conclusion is that the construction was carried out by Jews under the guise of resurrecting an old, lost structure.

Dr. Orfali's hopes were realized, and his efforts were rewarded: the synagogue where Christ preached did stand in the exact location indicated by this enthusiastic archaeologist. However, there were stones on which the Savior's feet stood a little deeper - and this fact became a scientific discovery.

What to See Around the Village of Capernaum? 

1.  Chorazin - An ancient Jewish town where Jesus preached and performed miracles. Notable for its well-preserved synagogue ruins built from black basalt stone. Jesus later condemned the town for its lack of faith (Matthew 11:21).

2.  Tabgha - The traditional site of Jesus' multiplication of loaves and fish, feeding 5,000 people. Features a beautiful Byzantine church with famous mosaic floors depicting the miracle. Also near the spot of Jesus' third appearance to disciples after resurrection.

3.  Tiberias - A major Roman city founded around 20 CE, now one of Israel's four holy cities in Judaism. Though not mentioned in Jesus' ministry, it became an important Jewish center after Jerusalem's fall and remains a significant modern city on the Sea of Galilee.

4.  Bethsaida - Hometown of apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip. Archaeological excavations revealed a major fishing village that became a Roman city. Site of Jesus healing a blind man and other miracles.

5.  The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles - A red-domed church in Capernaum commemorating Jesus' calling of Peter and Andrew. Features distinctive Byzantine architecture and colorful icons. An essential stop for Orthodox pilgrims visiting holy sites.

6.  Shore of the Sea of Galilee picnic location - A peaceful spot for visitors to rest and reflect while enjoying views of the historic lake. Popular for both tourists and locals, offering shade and facilities while experiencing the same shores where Jesus walked.

7.  The Church of Capernaum - Built over what's traditionally believed to be Peter's house, this modern octagonal church provides views of important archaeological remains below through a glass floor. The unique design symbolically connects to early Christian churches built on this site.

So Who Built the White Synagogue in Capernaum, and How Was It Funded?

It is widely believed that the White Synagogue in Capernaum was constructed by the Jewish community of the village. Interestingly, their ability to fund such an elaborate structure may have been linked to the influx of Christian pilgrims who visited the region. Capernaum, being deeply tied to the life and teachings of Jesus, attracted travelers seeking to walk in his footsteps. The local Jewish community likely benefited from this activity, offering services such as lodging and meals, which helped them accumulate the wealth necessary to construct the synagogue. It's even possible that Christian authorities viewed the building as a way to honor Jesus’ legacy, indirectly supporting its creation as a shared symbol of spiritual significance.

FAQ About the Capernaum Synagogue

1. Did Jesus live in Capernaum? According to biblical accounts, while Jesus wasn't born in Capernaum, he made it his home base during much of his adult ministry. The Gospel of Matthew (4:13) specifically states that Jesus left Nazareth and "went and lived in Capernaum," which was described as being "by the sea" (referring to the Sea of Galilee).

 2. What are the most important events acquired in Capernaum? 

• The healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
• The healing of Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31
• The healing of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof (Mark 2:1-12)
• The calling of Matthew/Levi the tax collector (Mark 2:13-17)

Visit the White Capernaum Synagogue Today

A visit to the Capernaum Synagogue is one of the most fascinating experiences for Jews in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights, as well as Christians who follow in Jesus' footsteps. The synagogue in Capernaum has been beautifully preserved thanks to the site's maintenance and preservation work.

Discover Capernaum's synagogue today and combine your visit with other Christian or Jewish sites around the Sea of Galilee