Synagogues in Josephus’ Writings

Abstract While Josephus’ considerable tendenz and apologetical interests have long led scholars to question the use of his writings to reconstruct the Jewish practices and institutions of his own time, careful reading of his rhetoric can be very profitable for the purpose of reconstructing a late first-century CE perspective on such matters. Through composition-specific analysis of Josephus’ witness to synagogues followed by thematic discussion, this chapter will present Josephus’ unique and contextually relevant perspective on the first-century synagogue after a time of considerable upheaval and an increased need to find places for Jewish assembly, practice, and identity formation after the First Jewish Revolt. Josephus presents the attentive reader with a variety of terms for these peoples’ assemblies, as well as a deep concern for the place of prayer and worship, Jewish Law and practice, and the unique sacrality of Jewish institutions in this time of transition.