Acknowledgments
This book, delving into the mutual influences between the liturgical spaces of synagogues and churches in antiquity, nears completion amidst a terrible war in the land sacred to the three Abrahamic faiths. The excavations at the Magdala synagogue starkly contrast with the present-day tragic struggle over this region. The discoveries owe much to the collaborative efforts of a Mexican priest from the Legionaries of Christ, and two Israeli archaeologists – a Jew and a Muslim. We express our profound gratitude to Father Juan Solana, the driving force behind the Magdala project, for his generous support and vision. His immediate recognition of the significance of the archaeological findings at the site and steadfast assistance were invaluable. The synagogue excavations were carried out under the auspice of the Israel Antiquities Authority. We would like to acknowledge the generous support of the General Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority in the first years of excavations, the late Shuka Dorfman. Our sincere thanks are owed to the staff of the Israel Antiquities Authority who took care of the administration (Yossi Yaʿaqobi), field photography (Moshe Hartal), on-site drafting (Rivka Mishayev and Yelena Nemichnitzer), artifacts drawing (Hagit Rozen Tahan), the Magdala stone photography (Yael Yolovitch), 3D scanning (Dr. Avshalom Karsik), restoration and conservation (Jaques Neguer and Raleb Abu Diʾab). We are greatly indebted to our partners; Dr. Danny Syon (Israel Antiquities authority), Dr. Silvia Rozenberg (the Israel Museum), Jaques Neguer (Israel Antiquities Authority), Dr. Vardit Shotten-Hallel (Israel Antiquities Authority), Prof. Eytan Sass (Herrmann Institute of Earth Sciences, the Hebrew Univesity of Jerusalem) and Dr. Lydia Perelis Grossowicz (Geological Survey of Israel) for their contributions to this volume.
We also wish to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Prof. Marcela Zapata Meza from the University of Anáhuac, who directed the Mexican delegation at Magdala. Her diligent work greatly enhanced our understanding of ancient Magdala. During demanding circumstances, she graciously aided us in documenting our discoveries. We extend our deep appreciation to all our partners at Magdala, including volunteers and staff who participated in the excavations. Fr. Eamon Kelly, Vice Director of the Magdala Center, deserves special mention. Additionally, we are grateful to Dr. Benjamin Arubas for his insightful comments and to Nimrod Getzov for his good advice.
This book is the result of extensive fieldwork conducted under the leadership of Dina Avshalom-Gorni and Arfan Najar. Their efforts were complemented by a comprehensive study led by Rina Talgam. Rina Talgam extends her gratitude to her colleagues at the Hebrew University, Dr. Yakir Paz and Prof. Marc Hirshman, who provided invaluable support and insights by reviewing the entire manuscript. Special thanks also go to Prof. Daniel R. Schwartz for reviewing chapter 4 and for his useful comments. The manuscript greatly benefited from their suggestions. Sincere thanks to Dr. Silvia Rozenberg, the former chief curator of the Israel Museum, for her meticulous reading and critical eye. We appreciate her concern, generous help, friendship and editorial comments. Rina Talgam is particularly grateful to Sara Tropper for her exceptional editorial remarks, which significantly improved the manuscript. Prof. Karina Martin Hogan, editor of the Journal for the Study of Judaism Supplement Series, deserves special recognition for her supportive guidance and insightful suggestions. Additionally, sincere acknowledgment is extended to the anonymous readers for their valuable feedback and remarks. The support of the Brill staff, notably Dirk Bakker, the production editor, is much appreciated. His meticulous copy editing of the text notably improved its quality. The assistance of Katerina Sofianou, associate editor, is also appreciated. Robert Amoils translated chapter 4 into English. Gilad Hemed from the Center for Jewish Art at the Hebrew University provided invaluable assistance in managing the illustrations, Marcos Edelcopp prepared the plans, while Fern Seckbach attentively prepared the bibliography. The authors express their gratitude to the archaeologists and institutions for granting permission to reproduce plans and photographs from their publications. Rina Talgam’s research received support from the Mandel Scholion Interdisciplinary Research Center in the Humanities and Jewish Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She expresses her gratitude to Prof. Daniel R. Schwartz, the former academic head of Mandel Scholion, and her colleagues in the research group “Material for Change” – Prof. Nir Avieli, Prof. Leore Grosman, and Prof. Gideon Shelach-Lavi – for their stimulating discussions and observations.
Rina Talgam is especially indebted to Prof. Hindy Najman and Prof. Brouria Bitton-Ashkelony for their unfailing support and helpful advice. Their academic leadership served her as a source of inspiration. She also extends her heartfelt thanks to her dear friend Prof. Elchanan Reiner and her colleagues at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem – Prof. Oded Irshai, Prof. Sarit Shalev-Eyni, Prof. Galit Noga-Banai, Dr Yael young and Prof. Luba Freedman – for their encouragement and care.
Dr. Lily Arad was a close companion and supporter throughout a significant part of Rina’s journey. Lily’s remarkable resilience in the face of adversity and her scholarly contributions in tracing transcultural influences were truly commendable. Her friendship and generosity left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know her. Rina also expresses deep appreciation to her dear colleague Prof. Chaim Ben David, her teacher Prof. Aliza Cohen-Mushlin and Sarai Tsafrir for her kind care over many years.
Finally, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to our families. Dina expresses her deep gratitude to her sons, Daniel and Noʿam, who bring unbounding happiness to her life. Both celebrated their Bar Mitzvah in the Magdala synagogue. Dina also wishes to express her thanks to Moshe. Arfan is indebted to Samia, and Rina to her partner, Yehuda Afek. This book would not have been possible without his unwavering support.
The book is dedicated to the memory of Muhammad (Hammudi) Najar, the beloved son of Samia and Arfan, who passed away at the age of fifteen while we were working together at Magdala.