Jericho synagogue
| Jericho synagogue | |
|---|---|
The "Peace on Israel" floor mosaic of the Jericho synagogue | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Judaism |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Jericho, West Bank |
| Country | Palestine |
Location of the former ancient synagogue in the West Bank | |
| Geographic coordinates | 31°52′27″N 35°26′57″E / 31.874167°N 35.449167°E |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Byzantine architecture |
| Date established | 6th century |
| Jericho synagogue | |
| Alternative name | Shalom Al Israel Synagogue |
| History | |
| Periods | Byzantine / Talmudic |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1936 |
| Archaeologists | Dimitri Baramki |
| Condition | Preserved |
| Ownership | Husni Shahwan |
| Public access | Restricted |
The Jericho synagogue is a Jewish synagogue in Jericho, West Bank, Palestine. The synagogue was built in the Byzantine Empire-era and is believed to date from the late 6th or early 7th century CE and was discovered in 1936. All that remains from the ancient prayer house is its mosaic floor, which contains an Aramaic inscription presenting thanks to the synagogue donors, and a well-preserved central medallion with the inscription "Shalom al Israel", meaning "Peace [up]on Israel". This led to the site also being known as Shalom Al Israel Synagogue.
The former ancient synagogue was restored as a place of Jewish worship in the early part of the twenty-first century.