Bema or Ark

View looking south at the (partially) reconstructed platform on which Torah scrolls were stored.

The staircase and banisters were found almost intact.  Note the molding and the two columns that flank the corners of the platform.

The entrance of the synagogue is visible to the left (east) of the platform.

The process of reconstructing an ancient structure using only artifacts found at the site is called anastylosis.

For a map and brief commentary on Umm el-Qanatir click here.