Location: Off Route 71, 11 km (7 mi) West of Beth Shean Map
Tel. (04) 653 2004
Open: 8am- 4pm daily
Winter: 8am- 3pm daily
Beit Alpha Synagogue National Park located 11 km or 7 mi West of Beth Shean protects one of the best preserved religious buildings from the time of Antiquity. Beit Alpha Synagogue National Park or Beit Alfa is located near kibbutz Heftziba at the foot of mount Gilboa. This synagogue dates back to Byzantine time, around 5th century. It is most famous for incredibly well preserved mosaic floor including featuring the signs of zodiac. What is most interesting and astonishing about this synagogue is the center of the zodiac includes depiction of pagan Sun god Helios on his chariot with four horses. The floor also depicts the story of Abraham and Isaac as well as the Ark of the Covenant. At the entrance of the synagogue an Aramaic inscription dates the construction date to Byzantine emperor Justin I (518- 527). The Greek inscription above states that the creators of the mosaic is Marianus and his son Hanina.