The synagogue is located at an ancient site identified with the Anim mentioned in the Bible (Joshua 15:50).

It is also believed to be the site of the large Jewish village of Anaya (Άναιά) during the Roman-Byzantine period.

[2][3] Rabbi Shimon ben Yehudah, mentioned in Pesikta Rabbati, came from the village of Anim.

[5] The site of the ancient Jewish village is now known as Lower Horvat Anim (Arabic Khirbet Ghuwein et-Taḥta, lit.

[1] Hewn stone walls still stand to a height of 3.5 m (11 ft) and two entrances on the east side survive with their lintels intact.