Ancient synagogue at Bar Am, Israel
Built on the ruins of a more ancient synagogue that was destroyed in the earthquake of 363 BCE this 5th century Byzantine era synagogue was built anew using some of the stones and decorative elements of the earlier building on the highest part of a thriving Jewish community (remains of the village are found nearby). This is a classic style of synagogue from the Upper Galilee and Golan, with a portico meant to evoke the entrance to the Temple in Jerusalem.
The synagogue in its ruined state no longer has the presence that it once had, so I decided to photograph it at night when you can’t see what’s missing and your imagination can complete the structure. I chose to illuminate the synagogue with the artificial light that was available in the 5th century, flaming torches. The burning torches impart to the stone the look of glowing, molten lava. This alludes to the midrash that the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in fire and will be rebuilt in fire. In the sky, the full moon hovers. The moon is regarded as symbol of the Jewish people, who are always renewing themselves and exist eternally. The lights of the modern kibbutz of Bar Am are seen in the distance, another reminder of renewal.
