The Capernaum Synagogue

The Capernaum Synagogue also known as the White Synagogue is a fourth century CE Jewish temple in the ancient fishing village of Capernaum, built on the remains of an earlier first century CE synagogue. The partly excavated building of synagogue dates back to 4th or 5th century CE, there is another first century building underneath it, which is believed to be the actual synagogue of Capernaum where Isa (Jesus) may have preached (John 6:59) and it may have been the center of his activities. According to Luke's Gospel, the Capernaum synagogue at the time of Jesus' ministry had been built or funded by a Roman centurion based there. The synagogue was built almost entirely of white blocks of calcareous stone brought from distant quarries. Built of large, white limestone blocks from the hills of Galilee west of the town, it stood out among the buildings of grey basalt surrounding it. The synagogue of Capernaum is located just inland from the shore with its facade facing Jerusalem. It has been difficult to date, with scholarly opinion ranging from the 2nd to 5th centuries. It stands on an elevated position, was richly decorated and was built of imported white limestone, which would have contrasted dramatically with the local black basalt of the rest of the village. The gospel of John reveals that it was here in which Jesus taught that he was the true bread of life coming down out of heaven, after feeding the 5000 (John 6:59). Shortly after he was rejected in Capernaum because he had healed on the Sabbath day, which the Jewish authorities considered blasphemy.