en-Nabratein

Transliterated Name	Source	Name
en-Nabratein	Hebrew	נבוריה
Kefar Neburaya	Arabic
Khirbet Neburaya	Arabic
Naburiya	Hebrew
Nevoraya	Hebrew

Identification

from Eric Meyers in Stern et. al. (1993 v. 3)

Nabratein (Kefar Neburaya) is the site of a Jewish synagogue located in Upper Galilee just north of Safed, opposite Moshav Dalton, along Wadi 'Amuqa, also known as Wadi Dalton (map reference 197 .267). Another Early Arab period site with the same name is to be found at a slightly higher elevation just to the south and may reflect the Arabic tradition that identifies the site by the dual form in its name.

Exploration

from Eric Meyers in Stern et. al. (1993 v. 3)

The synagogue site was known to the nineteenth-century explorers of Palestine and was included in H. Kohl and C. Watzinger's systematic survey in 1905. The synagogue's beautifully carved lintel inscription was known to many of these explorers but was definitively published by N. Avigad in 1960. The inscription is unique in synagogue epigraphy in that it dates the synagogue to "494 years after the destruction [of the Temple]," or 564 CE, in the reign of Justinian II. Excavations were carried out in the summer of 1980 and 1981, under the direction of E. M. Meyers, on behalf of the American Schools of Oriental Research.

Maps, Aerial Views, Plans, Drawings, and Photos

Maps

Fig. 1- Location Map from

Fig. 1

Map of sites surveyed with other important sites

Meyers, Strange, and Groh (1978)

Meyers, Strange, and Groh (1978)

Aerial Views

Annotated Satellite Image (google) of

Annotated Satellite Image (google) of en-Nabratein (Naburiya) area

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com

en-Nabratein (Naburiya) area from biblewalks.com
en-Nabratein in Google Earth

en-Nabratein

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en-Nabratein on govmap.gov.il

en-Nabratein

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Plans and Drawings

Entire Site

Normal Size

Fig. 4 - Excavation Areas from

Fig. 4

Key to excavations, showing fields and areas and indicating location of sections A—A, B—B, C—C, D—D, F—F, G—G, J—J, and K—K. Although all these sections were recorded, only those salient for the stratigraphic discussion are published.

Meyers et al (2009)

Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 5 - Stone-for-stone plan

Fig. 5

Stone-for-stone plan of all excavated areas; see Figure 6 for identification of major loci.

Meyers et al (2009)

of all excavated areas from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 6 - Annotated

Fig. 6

Annotated Stone-for-stone plan major loci indicated.

Meyers et al (2009)

Stone-for-stone plan with major loci indicated from Meyers et al (2009)

Magnified

Fig. 5 - Stone-for-stone plan

Fig. 5

Stone-for-stone plan of all excavated areas; see Figure 6 for identification of major loci.

Meyers et al (2009)

of all excavated areas from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 6 - Annotated

Fig. 6

Annotated Stone-for-stone plan major loci indicated.

Meyers et al (2009)

Stone-for-stone plan with major loci indicated from Meyers et al (2009)

Period II - Synagogue 1

Normal Size

Fig. 7 - Block plan

Fig. 7

Block plan (with selected locus numbers) of Period II remains showing Synagogue 1 (Middle Roman) in the lower right and the building complex in Field IV on the left.

Meyers et al (2009)

of Period II remains showing Synagogue 1 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 8 - Interior view of Synagogue 1

Fig. 8

Interior view of Synagogue 1 (Middle Roman), four-column broadhouse, looking south. The Ark is shown on the western bema to the right of the major entrance on the south wall.

Meyers et al (2009)

from Meyers et al (2009)

Magnified

Fig. 7 - Block plan

Fig. 7

Block plan (with selected locus numbers) of Period II remains showing Synagogue 1 (Middle Roman) in the lower right and the building complex in Field IV on the left.

Meyers et al (2009)

of Period II remains showing Synagogue 1 from Meyers et al (2009)

Period III - Synagogue 2

Normal Size

Fig. 9 - Block plan

Fig. 9

Block plan (with selected locus numbers) of Period III remains showing Synagogue 2 (Late Roman) and adjacent areas.

Meyers et al (2009)

of Period III remains showing Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 11 - Perspective

Fig. 11

Perspective drawing of Synagogue 2 (Late Roman).

Meyers et al (2009)

drawing of Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 12 - Interior

Fig. 12

Interior view of Synagogue 2 (Late Roman), six-column basilica, looking south. The Ark is shown on the western bema, to the right of the major entrance on the south wall. Note the steps leading up to the Ark.

Meyers et al (2009)

view of Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 23 - Plan of

Fig. 23

Plan of south end of Synagogue 2 showing reconstructed bemas flanking southern portal. The Torah Shrine is depicted as a niche on the western bema.

Meyers et al (2009)

south end of Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 24 - Block plan

Fig. 24

Block plan of Synagogue 2, showing the Torah Shrine against the southern wall, without a niche.

Meyers et al (2009)

of Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)

Magnified

Fig. 9 - Block plan

Fig. 9

Block plan (with selected locus numbers) of Period III remains showing Synagogue 2 (Late Roman) and adjacent areas.

Meyers et al (2009)

of Period III remains showing Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 23 - Plan of

Fig. 23

Plan of south end of Synagogue 2 showing reconstructed bemas flanking southern portal. The Torah Shrine is depicted as a niche on the western bema.

Meyers et al (2009)

south end of Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 24 - Block plan

Fig. 24

Block plan of Synagogue 2, showing the Torah Shrine against the southern wall, without a niche.

Meyers et al (2009)

of Synagogue 2 from Meyers et al (2009)

Period IV - Synagogue 3

Normal Size

Fig. 10 - Plans of

Fig. 10

Plans (of Synagogue 3) published by Kohl and Watzinger (1916: fig 14). On the left is their stone-for-stone drawing showing the site as surveyed in 1905, and on the right is their rendition of the synagogue's plan.

Meyers et al (2009)

Synagogue 3 published by Kohl and Watzinger (1916) from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 15 - Block

Fig. 15

Block plan (with selected locus numbers) of Period IV remains showing Synagogue 3, with associated passageway and courtyard to the west and associated structure on the south-southwest. Remains of earlier periods appear in faint lines.

Meyers et al (2009)

plan of Period IV remains showing Synagogue 3 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 17 - Isometric

Fig. 17

Isometric drawing of Synagogue 3 (Byzantine—Early Arab, Period IV), looking northeast

Meyers et al (2009)

drawing of Synagogue 3 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 16 - Perspective

Fig. 16

Perspective drawing of Synagogue 3 (Byzantine—Early Arab, Period IV), looking northwest

Meyers et al (2009)

drawing of Synagogue 3 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 30 - Annotated

Fig. 30

Annotated stone-for-stone plan (with selected locus numbers) of Field IV at the western edge of the site.

Meyers et al (2009)

stone-for-stone plan of Field IV from Meyers et al (2009)

Magnified

Fig. 10 - Plans of

Fig. 10

Plans (of Synagogue 3) published by Kohl and Watzinger (1916: fig 14). On the left is their stone-for-stone drawing showing the site as surveyed in 1905, and on the right is their rendition of the synagogue's plan.

Meyers et al (2009)

Synagogue 3 published by Kohl and Watzinger (1916) from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 15 - Block

Fig. 15

Block plan (with selected locus numbers) of Period IV remains showing Synagogue 3, with associated passageway and courtyard to the west and associated structure on the south-southwest. Remains of earlier periods appear in faint lines.

Meyers et al (2009)

plan of Period IV remains showing Synagogue 3 from Meyers et al (2009)
Fig. 30 - Annotated

Fig. 30

Annotated stone-for-stone plan (with selected locus numbers) of Field IV at the western edge of the site.

Meyers et al (2009)

stone-for-stone plan of Field IV from Meyers et al (2009)

Photos

Photo 3 View of site during

Photo 3

View of site during excavation and restoration work taken on July 4, 1980, looking north-northwest, at edge of Nahal Dalton.

Meyers et al (2009)

excavation from Meyers et al (2009)

Phasing

from Meyers, et al. (2009)
This phasing is debated

Period	Age	Date	Phase
I	Early Roman	1-ca. 135 CE	‎Period I is pre-synagogue, but it does have structural remains related to those of subsequent periods
II	Middle Roman	ca. 135 - ca. 250 CE	‎(Synagogue 1)
III	Late Roman	ca. 250-363 CE	‎
IIIa	Late Roman	ca. 250-306 CE	‎(Synagogue 2a)
IIIb	Late Roman	ca. 306-363 CE	‎(Synagogue 2b)
IV	Byzantine and Early Arab	ca. 564-700 CE	(Synagogue 3)‎

End of Phase IIIa Earthquake

Meyers, et al. (2009) performed excavations of what they labeled Synagogue 2 at en-Nabratein. They subdivided the life of this structure into two phases in Period III (Late Roman, A.D. 250-350/363)

Period	Age	Date	Phase
I	Early Roman	1-ca. 135 CE	‎Period I is pre-synagogue, but it does have structural remains related to those of subsequent periods
II	Middle Roman	ca. 135 - ca. 250 CE	‎(Synagogue 1)
III	Late Roman	ca. 250-363 CE	‎
IIIa	Late Roman	ca. 250-306 CE	‎(Synagogue 2a)
IIIb	Late Roman	ca. 306-363 CE	‎(Synagogue 2b)
IV	Byzantine and Early Arab	ca. 564-700 CE	(Synagogue 3)‎

Meyers et al (1982) dated Period III phase a using ceramics and some coins and end phase a with the Eusebius' Martyr Quake of ~306 CE which they believed damaged the synagogue and led to rebuilding. The rebuilding effort initiated Period III phase b.

Magness (2010) examined the reports of Meyers et al (1982) paying attention to stratigraphic levels and chronological information and concluded that the first (and only) Synagogue built on the site occurred "no earlier than the second half of the fourth century, and point to occupation and activity precisely during the centuries when the excavators claim the site was abandoned." A coin of 341-346 from the east wall and pottery suggests a terminus post quem of the second half of the 4th century for the synagogue's construction. Other evidence leads to a terminus ante quem of the second half of the 5th century or later (mid 6th century). There is also the inscription which states that the synagogue was built or remodeled in 564 CE (Magness, 2010). Meyers and Meyers (2010) rebutted Magness (2010) analysis of the stratigraphy and chronology discussing intricate details of sloping bedrock, lensed stratigraphy, later disturbance of the site, the coin of 341-346 not being in the wall but in earthen fill, etc. etc.

End of Phase IIIb Earthquake

Meyers, et al. (2009) performed excavations of what they labeled Synagogue 2 at en-Nabratein. They subdivided the life of this structure into two phases in Period III (Late Roman, A.D. 250-350/363)

Period	Age	Date	Phase
I	Early Roman	1-ca. 135 CE	‎Period I is pre-synagogue, but it does have structural remains related to those of subsequent periods
II	Middle Roman	ca. 135 - ca. 250 CE	‎(Synagogue 1)
III	Late Roman	ca. 250-363 CE	‎
IIIa	Late Roman	ca. 250-306 CE	‎(Synagogue 2a)
IIIb	Late Roman	ca. 306-363 CE	‎(Synagogue 2b)
IV	Byzantine and Early Arab	ca. 564-700 CE	(Synagogue 3)‎

Meyers et al (1982) dated Period III phase a using ceramics and some coins and end phase a with the Eusebius' Martyr Quake of ~306 CE which they believed damaged the synagogue and led to rebuilding. The rebuilding effort initiated Period III phase b. The end of Period III phase b is not precisely dated with material remains. Ceramics and "an irregular supply of coins dating up to ca. 350 A.D." provide the earliest possible date for the end of Period III phase b. The authors state that the end of Period III phase b "is perhaps to be understood as a combination of factors, mainly the revolt against Caesar Gallus (A.D. 350-52), general economic hardships, and the great earthquake of A.D. 363". By the 7th decade of the 4th century CE, the authors consider the site to have been virtually abandoned until a third synagogue was established towards the end of the Byzantine era in A.D. 564; according to an inscription.

Magness (2010) examined the reports of Meyers et al (1982) paying attention to stratigraphic levels and chronological information and concluded that the first (and only) Synagogue built on the site occurred "no earlier than the second half of the fourth century, and point to occupation and activity precisely during the centuries when the excavators claim the site was abandoned." A coin of 341-346 from the east wall and pottery suggests a terminus post quem of the second half of the 4th century for the synagogue's construction. Other evidence leads to a terminus ante quem of the second half of the 5th century or later (mid 6th century). There is also the inscription which states that the synagogue was built or remodeled in 564 CE (Magness, 2010). Meyers and Meyers (2010) rebutted Magness (2010) analysis of the stratigraphy and chronology discussing intricate details of sloping bedrock, lensed stratigraphy, later disturbance of the site, the coin of 341-346 not being in the wall but in earthen fill, etc. etc.

References

Articles and Books

Magness, J. (2010). "The Ancient Synagogue at Nabratein." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research (358): 61-68.

Meyers, E. M., et al. (1982). "Second Preliminary Report on the 1981 Excavations at en-Nabratein, Israel." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research(246): 35-54.

Meyers, E. M., et al. (2009). Excavations at Ancient Nabratein: Synagogue and Environs, American Schools of Oriental Research.

Meyers, E. M. and C. L. Meyers (2010). "Response to Jodi Magness's Review of the Final Publication of Nabratein." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research(359): 67-76.

Excavation Reports

Meyers, E. M., Meyers, C. L., Bijovsky, G. (2009). Excavations at Ancient Nabratein: Synagogue and Environs. United States: American Schools of Oriental Research.

Meyers, E. M., Meyers, C. L., Bijovsky, G. (2009). Excavations at Ancient Nabratein: Synagogue and Environs. United States: American Schools of Oriental Research. - open access at Hathi Trust

Websites

en-Nabratein (Naburiya) at BibleWalks.com

The story of the synagogue of Naburiya (en-Nabratein) from ynet - in Hebrew

The story of the synagogue of Naburiya (en-Nabratein) from ynet - in English

Bibliography from Stern et al (1993)

General

Conder-Kitchener, SWP I

Kohl-Watzinger, Synagogen, 101-106

Goodenough, Jewish Symbols l, 203-204

N. Avigad, Rabinowitz Bulletin 3 (1960), 49-56

E. M. Meyers, ASOR Newsletter (Sept. 1980), 3-11; id. (et al.), BASOR 244 (1981), l-25; 246 (1982), 35-54

id., IEJ 31 (1981), 108-110

32 (1982), 139-141

id., RB 88 (1981), 592-595; id., The Synagogue in Late Antiquity (ed. L. I. Levine), Philadelphia 1987, 127-137

J. G. Younger, AJA 86 (1982), 292

D. Chen, PEQ 119 (1987), 44-49.

Ark of the Law

Goodenough, Jewish Symbols l-2

R. Hachlili, BASOR 223 (1976), 43-54

E. M. Meyers (and C. L. Meyers), ASOR Newsletter (Oct. 1981), 5-7

id. (et al.), BA 44 (1981), 237-243

id. (and C. L. Meyers), BAR 7/6 (1981), 24-39; id., EI 16 (1982), 176*-185*

L. J. Hoppe, The Bible Today 22 (1984), 290-297.

Bibliography from Stern et al (2008)

Main publications

E. M. Meyers & C. L. Meyers et al., Excavations at the Ancient Synagogue of Nabratein (Meiron Excavation Project Reports 6; Excavation Reports, ASOR), Winona Lake, IN (in prep.).

Studies

E. M. Meyers, ABD, 4, New York 1992, 978–979; id., OEANE, 4, New York 1997, 85–87

J. Magness, Levant 26 (1994), 199–206

Z. Safrai, The Missing Century: Palestine in the 5th Century—Growth and Decline (Palestine Antiqua N.S. 9), Leuven 1998 (index)

E. Yehuda, Jahrbuch des Deutschen Evangelischen Instituts für Altertumswissenschaft des Heiligen Landes 9 (2003), 9–25

Wikipedia page for Nabratein synagogue

from wikipedia