The works of the Reverend and learned John Lightfoot D. D., late Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge such as were, and such as never before were printed : in two volumes : with the authors life and large and useful tables to each volume : also three maps : one of the temple drawn by the author himself, the others of Jervsalem and the Holy Land drawn according to the author's chorography, with a description collected out of his writings.

CHAP. XXXVI. Synagogues in the City; and Schools. (Book 36)

R. a 1.1 Phinehas in the name of R. Hoshaia saith, There were four hundred and sixty Syna∣gogues in Jerusalem: every one of which had a house of the book, and a house of doctrine: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 A house of the book for the Scripture, that is, where the Scripture might be read: and a house of doctrine for Traditions, that is, the Beth Midrash, where Traditions might be taught. These things are recited else∣where, and there the number ariseth to four hundred and eighty. b 1.2 R. Phinehas in the name of R. Hoshaia saith, There were four hundred and eighty Synagogues in Hierusalem, &c. We do not make enquiry here concerning the numbers being varied: the latter is more received: and it is made out by Gematry, as they call it, out of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 full, Esa. I. 21. c 1.3 We find in Pesikta: R. Menahem from R. Hoshaia saith, four hundred and eigh∣ty Synagogues were in Hierusalem, according to the Arithmetical value of the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Note, that the letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Aleph is not computed.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Synagogue of the Alexandrians is mentioned by the Talmudists: concerning which also the Holy Scripture speaks, Act. VI. 9.

d 1.4 Eleazar ben R. Zadok received (for a price) the Synagogue of the Alexandrians, and did his necessary works in it. The Alexandrians had built it at their own charge. This story is recited by the Babylonian Talmudists, and they for Alexandrians have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Braziers. For so they write. e 1.5 The Synagogue of the Braziers, which was at Jerusalem, they themselves sold to R. Eleazar, &c. The Gloss renders 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Workmen in brass. The reason why the Alexandrians were so called you may fetch per∣haps from this story. f 1.6 There was a brass Cymbal in the Temple, and there being a crack in it, the Wise men brought Artificers from Alexandria, to mend it, &c. There was also a brass Mor∣tar in the Temple, in which they beat their spices, and there being a crack in it, the Wise men brought Artificers from Alexandria to mend it, &c.

Consider well what 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The language of Tursi, means in that legend. g 1.7 Bigthan and Teresh 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (perhaps) Were two Tarsians: or, if you will, Two Arti∣ficers: And they talked together 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the language of Tursi. (Where the Gloss, Tursi is the name of a place) and they knew not that Mordecai was one of the Elders in the Chamber Gazith, and that he understood seventy languages, &c.

h 1.8 In the place noted in the margin, these words are related concerning the sending away the Goat Azazel, or the Scape-goat: The chief Priests permitted not an Israelite to lead away the Scape-goat into the Wilderness: but once one Arsela, who was an Israelite, led him away: and they made him a footstool because of the Babylonians, who used to pull off his hair, and to say, Take it, and go. The Gemara thus, Rabba Bar bar Channah saith, They were not Babylonians, but Alexandrians; but because they hated the Babylonians, therefore they called them by their name. Take it, and go, &c. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Why does this Goat tarry, when

the sins of this generation are so many? Where the Gloss thus, They made him a footstool, or something to put under his feet, that he might be higher, and upon this he went out of the Court, and out of the City: and this, lest the Babylonians should touch the Goat: for they used to pull off his hair, and to say, Go, make hast, be gone, delay not, our sins are yet upon us. And after, The Inhabitants of the land of Israel hated the Babylonians; every one there∣fore carrying himself irreverently and undecently they called by their name.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Synagogue of the Liberti••es, Act. VI. 9. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The Synagogue of those that are made free: of whom the Talmudists speak infinitely.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Hieros. Che∣tub. fol. 35. 3.
• b 1.2

  Idem, Megil∣lah, fol. 73. 4.
• c 1.3

  R. Sol. In Esa. 2. 1.
• d 1.4

  Hieros. in Megill. in the place above: and Juchas. fol. 26. 2.
• e 1.5

  Bab. Megill. fol. 26. 1.
• f 1.6

  Idem, Era∣chin, fol. 10. 2.
• g 1.7

  Bab. Megill, fol. 13. 2.
• h 1.8

  Bab. Joma, fol. 66.