Torah shrine on west wall of Synagogue during excavation
YUAG, Dura-Europos Collection, negative number dura-fI10~01
The painting above the Torah shrine is clearly visible in this excavation photograph. In the center, the Temple of Solomon is represented symbolically as a Roman building with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals: the Ark of the Covenant is depicted inside. On the left is a lighted menorah and an etrog (citrus) and lulav (palm, myrtle, and willow fronds) associated with the Feast of Tabernacles. The menorah is the only one depicted at Dura with straight rather than semicircular arms. On the right, the scene of the sacrifice of Isaac is the earliest one known: the story is represented frequently in later Jewish and Christian contexts.