Synagogue screen, Ashdod
In basilical synagogues, which date to the late fifth and sixth centuries, “chancel screens” served to enclose an often broad bema that stood before an apse on the Jerusalem-aligned wall.
Within the apse stood the Torah shrine, and in some, one or more large stone or metal menorahs.
Chancel screens have been uncovered in apsidal basilicas at Beit Shean A, Rehov, Ma’oz Hayyim, Ein Gedi, Gaza, Ashkelon, Hammath Tiberias, and Na’aran.
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
