For the first time in Israel, fragments from the worlds oldest discovered Lamentation Scroll, are on display in the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem’s world renowned exhibition, “By the Rivers of Babylon”, for a limited time only. Discovered in Qumran and dating to 30 BCE – 70 CE, the timely public display of this rare scroll has been made possible with the cooperation and assistance of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
The book of Lamentations, believed to have been penned by the Prophet Jeremiah, paints a vivid and deeply stirring account of the destruction of Jerusalem and subsequent lamentation of the Judean people. Recited by Jews annually on the Ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av to commemorate the destruction of the first and second Temples, the book concludes with a shred of hope that “the days of old” (Lamentations 5:21), will be renewed despite God’s wrath.
The extreme sensitivity and fragility of the scroll fragments limits how long they can be on display, but due to the importance of the exhibition and the timing of the reading of Lamentations, they will be on display for four days only, through Sunday, July 26, 2015, after which they must be returned to their special storage conditions with the IAA.
Amanda Weiss, Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem Director: “By the Rivers of Babylon is a captivating exhibition, which elucidates what is perhaps the most significant event in collective Jewish memory – the Babylonian Exile. This rare fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls is an exciting addition to the exhibition providing significant material context to the Babylonian exile. The fragments, which serve as a testament to the Jewish spirit of commemoration and perseverance, will be on display in the By the Rivers of Babylon exhibition through Tisha B’Av (July 26, 2015). We are deeply moved and privileged to present this national treasure of the Jewish people at this powerfully poignant time. We are particularly grateful to the Israel Antiquities Authority for allowing us this opportunity to bring it to the public.”
The BLMJ is open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 – 14:00 and on Sunday from 9:30 – 17:30. For more information: www.blmj.org
Photo of Amanda Weiss, BLMJ Director and Pnina Shor, Head of the Department of Artefacts’ Treatment and Conservation (IAA).
Photo credit: Oded Antman.
Izvor
BLM PRESS
