Ein Gedi's Ancient Synagogue

For most visitors, a tour of Ein Gedi means the short circular nature trail among lush vegetation and fresh water pools of Nahal David or the longer trail of Nahal Arugot.

Many people overlook the nearby antiquities which can be visited on the same entrance ticket and are well worth a short stop.



Evidence of the ancient Jewish settlement from the Second Temple Period were discovered by chance in 1965 when a mosaic floor was revealed among the date plantations of the modern kibbutz Ein Gedi.


Ein Gedi Synagogue Central Medallion

Further excavations in the 1990s revealed remains of a settlement and synagogue from the late Roman and Byzantine periods - 3rd-6th centuries CE.

The synagogue was completely excavated and nearby streets and buildings partially uncovered.  Recently, excavations have restarted in the surrounding area.

Eusebius, an early 4th century father of the Christian Church, wrote about a very large village of Jews at Ein Gedi. Early manuscripts tell of Ein Gedi's inhabitants who grew date palms and persimmons. The source of the community's wealth was the persimmon bush or afarsimon which yielded a substance from which a valuable perfume could be extracted.

mosaic detail

In addition to a bird medallion, a seven-branched menorah graces the synagogue mosaic floor. A Hebrew and Aramaic inscription in the left aisle lists the 13 forefathers of mankind, the 12 signs of the zodiac, thanks the benefactors and curses community members who do not keep the rules of the village.

Seven-branched Menorah detail





Archeologists believe that the settlement came to the end by the late 6th century.

Access the antiquites by following the sign to Nahal Arugot and Ein Gedi Synagogue.

There are picnic tables, bathrooms and a quiet place to enjoy the view of the Dead Sea away from the crowds. Open 8-4 in the winter and until 5 p.m. April-October

Did You Know? - Nubian Ibex

Nubian Ibex in Ein Gedi

(Photo - Aliza Orent)

 

The Nubian Ibex - Capra nubiana - is not a gazelle but a wild goat. They are a protected species in Israel and appear on the logo of the Israel National Parks Authority.

They are well suited for the hot, dry desert landscape. Their light sandy brown coat provides a camouflage against the desert scenery. The smooth, shiny coat is thought to reflect a large amount of incoming solar radiation which allows the animals to remain active throughout the day even during hot summer afternoons. Males have a dark stripe on their front legs and one down their back, as well as a dark beard.   

Both males and females have horns although they are much larger in males than females. Horns on bucks can grow up to 120 cm / 48 inches long.  The much thinner, shorter horns of females grow up to 35 cm / 14 inches.

Mating occurs during the late summer months, especially October. The majority of kids are born in March. Ibex can live up to 17 years and are often seen wandering around in herds.
 

In contrast to most desert animals, the Nubian ibex drinks almost daily.    During summer nights, the Nubian ibex rests in high, open areas of slopes, allowing a variety of escape routes should danger present itself. During the cooler winter nights, herds rest in more sheltered places, like caves or under overhangs. Nubian ibex, although equipped with a semi-waterproof coat, do not like to get wet, seeking shelter if possible during rain storms.

If you want to see an ibex up close go to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve or nearby guesthouse. They can also be found wandering close to the ancient synagogue at Ein Gedi and around the Ein Gedi Field School. Further south they can be seen at Ein Avdat and Mitzpe Ramon near to the crater.