Abstract
Summary The synagogue of Beth Alpha in Galilee, 6th c. C. E., has a particular iconography, which is to be explained by the influence of the Midrash in Jewish religion. The mosaic reflects the hope of the Jewish people that the temple in Jerusalem will soon be rebuilt by the Messiah. The sacrifice of Isaac is represented as the foundation-act of the daily sacrifices in the temple Moriah is identified with mount Sion in Jerusalem. The zodiac represents the vision that Abraham, the astrologer, according to the Midrash, saw at the time of the covenant (Gen. 15) and of the sacrifice of Isaac (Gen. 22). To the patriarch it was revealed that Israel would be persecuted by the four kingdoms: Babel, Media, Greece and Edom. The mosaic depicts them in the zodiac as Leo, Aries, Capricorn and Scorpio. The Holy One promised Abraham that Israel should be redeemed at the end of days, after the victory of Elia—Helios on the mosaic—over Edom. The upper part of the mosaic, in front of the prayer-niche in view of Jerusalem, ...
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