Plaque of Theodotus: Greek Inscription Etched on Stone
Jerusalem, Late Second Temple Period
The Plaque of Theodotus. We Learn more about the uses of early synagogues from a stone plaque celebrating the building of a Jerusalem synagogue by Theodotus, the son of Vettenus. The inscription on the plaque, written in Greek at the end of the Second Temple period and probably placed on the synagogue facade, states the synagogue was to be used for readings of the Torah, for study lessons and as a place of hospitality. Prayer is not mentioned at all.
Must Know
This is the text on the plaque:
Theodotus, son of Vettenus, priest and synagogue leader
Son of synagogue leader, grandson of synagogue leader
Built the synagogue for the reading of the Law and the teaching of the commandments
[And] the guest-house and the rooms [and] the water supplies
For the lodging of strangers in need
[The synagogue] was founded by his father and by the Elders and Simonides
More Info
Theodotus, son of Vettenus, priest and synagogue leader, son of synagogue leader, grandson of synagogue leader built the synagogue for the reading of the Law and the teaching of the commandments [and] the guest-house and the rooms [and] the water supplies for the lodging of strangers in need. [The synagogue] was founded by his father and by the Elders and Simonides.
