Bar'am, three kilometers north of the Hiram junction on the northern boarder road, was home to a Jewish settlement during the mishnaic and talmudic periods. Bar'am is not mentioned in the Bible, but Jewish travelogues from the Middle Ages mention the presence of two synagogues at Bar'am. Today visitors to Bar'am National Park can admire the ruins of two synagogues, one about 300 meters north-east of the other. The larger and more ornate synagogue is quite well preserved but unfortunately only the foundation of {he recently excavated smaller synagogue remainns.
In 1905, archaeologists Koh.J and Waltzinger carried out small-scale excavations at Bar'am. Later the Department of Antiquities and Museums and the National Parks Authority reconstructed and maintained the site. In 1988, archaeologists from the Antiquities Authority and the University of Rochester conducted more scientific excavations at Ba,r'am.
The rectangular larger synagogue measures 20x15.2. Like most ancient synagogues in the Galilee, it faces south to Jerusalem.Its portico with six columns and a cistern is rather unusual for the Galilee. The synagogue has three portals, the central one bearing a lintel with a carving of a wreath. On the upper part of 1intel we can see the original carvings of grape vines and clusters of grapes, and on Its sides there are the remains of two winged figures. The reconstructed arch over the portal relieves the upper part of the structure of some of the weight. The eastern portal is particularly interesting. Elazar, son of Yodan, built the building the Aramaic inscription at the base of its window relates that.
The prayer hall is typical of those found in Galilean synagogues. Its rough interior walls were once covered by plaster. The three rows of columns (arranged in a U shape) held up the second story and the ceiling. Remains of the gable are now on view to the south-east of the synagogue.
The floor was made of stone slabs and the hall was originally lined with benches. Archeologists did not find the place where the Ark once stood but did discover a statue of a lion which likely was positioned near the Ark.
In 1865, a British survey team documented what was left of the small synagogue. This synagogue faces Jerusalem and its structure is typical of Galilean synagogues.
The lintel, similar to that found in the larger synagogue, has an inscription reading "Peace in this place and all of Israel. Yosef Halevi son of Levi made this lintel. May his deeds be blessed. Peace".
This lintel is now at the Louvre and a copy of it is on display at the Bar-Dor Museum on Kibbutz Bar'am.
Recent excavations at the two synagogues indicate that they were built during the late-fourth or early-fifth centuries, even though architecturally they resemble third-century buildings. This disparity between archaeology and architecture, seen in other synagogues as well, is now a subject of academic research.
The Maronite Christians resided in Bar'am until their evacuation during the 1948 War of Independence. On top of the hill, south of the large synagogue,. is a Maronite church, now used on holidays and for special events.
Since 1966, whemhe site was declared a national park, it has been under the auspices of the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority.