The Inscriptions of the Synagogue

The objective of this chapter is to reproduce the inscriptions of the Synagogue of Córdoba, which have survived to this day, in order to provide a more complete assessment in accordance with the importance of the building.

Inscriptions on the South Wall

On the South Wall, the inscriptions that frame the access opening belong to verse 34 of chapter 8 of the Book of Proverbs: “Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my entrances! Open the gates, that a righteous nation may enter, one that remains faithful!“. In contrast, the inscriptions that frame the windows are badly damaged, although it is known that they correspond to Psalm 122. There were more inscriptions on this wall, but they have not been preserved.

Inscriptions on the East Wall

On the East Wall of the Synagogue of Córdoba, the most notable are those located on the molding that frames the entire wall; they belong to the verses from the Psalter: “I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted your promise above all your name. One thing I ask of Yahweh, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of Yahweh and to seek him in his temple“.

To the right of the arch, framed in a rectangle, there is one that reads: “A miniature sanctuary and dwelling of testimony completed by Ishap Moheb, son of Lord Efrein Wadowa, in the year seventy-five. Also turn back, O God, and hasten to rebuild Jerusalem!“.

Inscriptions on the North Wall

On the North Wall, as previously mentioned, there are two bands with inscriptions below the openings that crown the wall. They recite the following verses from the Psalter and the Psalms: “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before Yahweh our Maker; let us enter his dwellings, let us bow down at his footstool. Exalt Yahweh our God and bow down at his footstool; He is Holy. Worship Yahweh with gladness, come before him with joyful songs. All nations you have made will come and bow before you, Yahweh, and glorify your name. Come, let us sing for joy to Yahweh, let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation“.

Inscriptions on the West Wall

Finally, from the West Wall some fragments of inscriptions have been recovered; however, we highlight one that refers to verse 4 of The Song of Songs: “Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors”.

Visit to the Synagogue of Córdoba

If you’re unsure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Synagogue by booking one of our guided tours in Córdoba. There we will pay special attention to the building’s inscriptions. Choose quality tourism with qualified staff — don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.