"Cathedra of Moses" from the synagogue of Chorazin

The village of Chorazin north of the Sea of Galilee was built of local basalt, as was the synagogue that served the population from the 4th to the 6th century. The decorated facade of the synagogue faced south, in the direction of Jerusalem. Its prayer hall had columns on three sides and benches along the walls. The synagogue was richly decorated with dense floral and geometric designs rendered in high relief, as well as human and animal figures.This seat carved from a single piece of basalt, was probably used by dignitaries, such as an elder or synagogue official. Similar seats were found at the synagogues of Hammat Tiberias and Delos in Greece. This seat bears an Aramaic donor inscription: "Be remembered for good Yudan, son of Ishmael, who made this stoa and its staircase. As his reward may he have a share with the righteous."