Niche (Ark)

View looking south at the niche in the southern wall of the synagogue that faced towards Jerusalem.  

It was the focus of worship, and some times biblical manuscripts were stored here.  The place where the scrolls were stored is called an "ark."  This is not to be confused with Noah's Ark nor the Ark of the Covenant.

Note the combination of limestone (white, older) and basalt (black, more recent) stones that were used in the construction of this niche.

For a diagram and brief discussion of the Synagogue Click Here.