פירוק ובנייה, חורבן ונטישה בבתי הכנסת העתיקים: פירושים חלופיים בניתוח הממצא הארכיאולוגי

Numerous studies focus on the ancient synagogue. However, only a few of them - mainly in the form of preliminary or final reports documenting a specific building - discuss its later history, how long it was in use, when it was damaged, why it was renovated while at times significantly expanding its area, and when and what led to its final abandonment. This article explores the history of the synagogues in late antique Palestine and the motives that may have triggered the replacement of one building with another, as well as the reasons that led to a decrease in the number of synagogues in the region and their eventual abandonment over time. It will be argued that although earthquakes sometimes serve as an adequate explanation for the destruction of synagogues, there are, in fact, other reasons for changes in a buildings layout, or for its final destruction. The conclusions have implications regarding the relationship between building phases in various synagogues as well as in the identification of the causes for the decline of Jewish society in late antique Palestine, its diminution, and eventual replacement by small and isolated communities