| Maon Synagogue | |
|---|---|
 Themosaic floor of the ancient former synagogue | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | |
| Status | Abandoned |
| Location | |
| Location | WesternNegev,Southern Israel |
| Country | Israel |
  Location of the ancient former synagogue in westernNegev | |
| Coordinates | 31°19′44″N34°24′32″E / 31.3289°N 34.4089°E /31.3289; 34.4089 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Basilica |
| Style | Byzantine |
| Completed | 6th century |
TheMaon Synagogue is a 6th-centuryJewishsynagogue andarchaeological site, located in the westernNegev desert, near KibbutzNirim and KibbutzNir Oz, inIsrael. The former synagogue is noted for its "magnificent"mosaic floor.[1]
The precise construction date of the synagogue remains uncertain, though it predates the 6th century. In a sixth-century renovation, the northern wall (closest toJerusalem) was opened, and a semi-circularapse to contain aTorah Ark was constructed. The floor level was raised and marble columns and a "breathtakingly beautiful" mosaic floor were installed.[2]
At the bottom of the mosaic floor is anamphora flanked by a pair of peacocks. A vine flows out of the amphora, forming loops, adorned with representations of birds, animals, fruits or depictions of various stages in the winemaking process. The design is similar to the mosaics in the church floor at nearby Shallal ruins, so they are thought to have been designed by the same artist. Both floors depict animals and have similar patterns: the synagogue floor is distinguished by a menorah flanked by two lions and several other Jewish ritual objects. The seven-branched menorah stands on three legs, like the menorah in theTemple in Jerusalem. The legs in Maon are shaped like a lion's paws. Alongside the menorah are the symbols ofJudah, palm trees and lions.Etrogs, ashofar and alulav are depicted nearby. The mosaic has an inscription inAramaic. The upper part of the inscription blesses all members of the community and the lower part honours three donors.[1][2][3]
The synagogue is built on thebasilica plan. The mosaic is in the central area, the two side aisles were paved with stone. The ceiling was made of wooden beams and clay.[2]
A number of small objects were found by therescue excavation on the floor facing theTorah Ark. These include coins and bone and metalartifacts that are thought to have been associated with the Torah Ark and its ornamental curtain. There were also fragments of glass and ceramic lamps. Dozens of amulets were also found, some of them were used by women who were asking for good health.[2]
Adjacent to the ruins of the synagogue a cistern, water channels and amikvah.[1]
The synagogue was built at the site of HellenisticMenois, a city marked on theMap of Madaba. It is one of three ancient synagogues discovered in the western Negev.[2]
The synagogue and its mosaic floor were discovered during the construction of a road in 1957. The mosaic was damaged, but the undamaged segment was preserved by a salvage excavation. After its discovery, the mosaic was neglected, causing deterioration. Restoration work began in 2006, sponsored by theJewish National Fund,Israel Antiquities Authority and Eshkol Regional Council, and paid for by philanthropistSandy Galet. The mosaic was lifted off its original foundation and carefully cleaned. A new foundation was installed and the mosaic was securely attached. The mosaic is now protected and was opened to the public in 2009.[4][5]
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