Eshtemoa synagogue, Ancient synagogue ruins in as-Samu, Palestine.

Eshtemoa synagogue is an ancient prayer house made of stone located in as-Samu with three entrance doors facing east and its western wall standing at about 7 meters tall. The rectangular building measures roughly 13 by 21 meters and contained interior spaces arranged for worship and community gatherings.

Archaeological digs in the 1930s uncovered the remains of this Jewish prayer house from the 4th century, which was later converted to serve as a mosque during medieval times. This shift from one faith's use to another reflects how the region changed hands and beliefs over the centuries.

Four seven-branched menorahs were carved on the door lintels; one is now in Jerusalem's Rockefeller Museum. Marble menorah remains found inside suggest the central northern niche held the Torah ark while the flanking niches carried menorah stands, a layout known from other Judean synagogues. The Aramaic mosaic inscription in the eastern porch commemorates a donor, Eleazar the priest, and his sons.

The site requires advance arrangement with local authorities since it sits in a sensitive area south of Hebron and access is not always straightforward. A local guide helps you understand what you are seeing and ensures your visit is smooth and respectful.

Inside the building stands a recessed wall niche that once held Torah scrolls, but was later covered with an Islamic prayer niche when the structure took on its new religious purpose. This layering of different faiths in one space tells the story of how the place shifted its identity over time.