Early diaspora Jewish communities in Anatolia, 3rd to 6th centuries CE: A reconsideration

Abstract

This dissertation takes a new look at early diaspora Jewish communities of Anatolia, 3rd to 6th centuries CE, specifically in Sardis, Aphrodisias, Miletus, Priene and other cities. By the 3rd century CE, Jewish communities were well established in Anatolia. Their synagogue became an increasingly important place, a center for religious observance, teaching of tradition and culture, and secular activities.Historically, these early diaspora Jewish communities of Anatolia had been largely ignored or inaccurately presented. They from were subsumed under the religious mantle of rabbinic Palestine and presented in a negative light by Christian theologians of their time. The reality of Jewish communities in Anatolia of this time is different than had previously been assumed. Based on archaeological and epigraphic remains excavated since the nineteen-sixties and a re-reading of relevant texts, a picture emerges of Jewish communities that created their own vibrant, highly integrated culture within the Greco-Roman environment while practicing a unique form of observant Biblical Judaism. It was Torah centered and included circumcision, Sabbath and festivals, and some form of special diet. They had a mutually beneficial relationship with the Roman Empire from which they derived certain privileges and exemptions and functioned with a lay leadership, independently from the rabbinical authorities in Palestine.The situation of the Jews of Anatolia varied by local circumstances, but consistently focused on Torah and used Jewish symbols. Their synagogues ranged from small at Priene to the magnificent building at Sardis, whose size, central location and rich adornments attest to the wealth of its Jewish community. Epigraphic evidence at Aphrodisias indicates a respected Jewish community that included theoseboi, gentiles who were part of the synagogue community but did not convert.The relationship between Jews and Christians varied, depending on the community. The tolerant environment of the 2nd to early 4th centuries was replaced by militant Christianity, and the situation of a number of Jewish communities deteriorated. Jews gradually lost their traditional privileges and a number of synagogues were destroyed. The synagogues of Sardis, Miletus and Priene escaped this fate, and in Sardis, the Jews and Christians lived peacefully.Thesis (D.Litt.)--Drew University, 2000.School code: 0064