Maon Synagogue

In a sixth-century renovation, the northern wall (closest to Jerusalem) was opened, and a semi-circular apse to contain a Torah Ark was constructed.

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.

[2] A number of small objects were found by the rescue excavation on the floor facing the Torah Ark.

These include coins and bone and metal artifacts that are thought to have been associated with the Torah Ark and its ornamental curtain.

[1] The synagogue was built at the site of Hellenistic Menois, a city marked on the Map of Madaba.

Restoration work began in 2006, sponsored by the Jewish National Fund, Israel Antiquities Authority and Eshkol Regional Council, and paid for by philanthropist Sandy Galet.

Mosaic detail