Shofar as Early Jewish Symbol

Shofar as Early Jewish Symbol

The Shofar stands out as a very antiquated symbol of rabbinic Judaism. At the Roman Via Nomentana (c450 CE), Shofars encircled 6 Torahs. At Beit Alpha (c550), one of the first synagogues in Israel, objects of the Temple adorned the walls: Shofars; incense paraphernalia; lions; palms and citrus fruit. The synagogue at Hammath Tiberias, built in the fourth century, in the common era, is adorned with a Torah shrine, menorahs, palm branches, and Shofars; and the Sepphori mosaic. (See Elizebeth Varughese, Professors produce reference materials, The Duke Chronicle online 2/1/06). See also http://fontes.lstc.edu/~rklein/ Documents/FaithHef.htm. Accessed May 30, 2007.