In a remarkable display of historical literacy and cultural preservation, Washington D.C.'s Museum of the Bible now hosts the world’s oldest Jewish book, the Afghan Liturgical Quire (ALQ).
According to Fox News, the new "Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book" exhibit has been timed perfectly with the onset of Rosh Hashanah, featuring profound artifacts from Jewish heritage.
The Museum of the Bible, established in 2017, has welcomed over three million visitors since its opening. The museum aims to empower a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the Bible's influence across various spheres. Integrating a blend of historical, artistic, and religious insights, the museum continually attracts a diverse audience.
The exhibit titled "Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book" capitalizes on the cultural and historical significance of the ALQ—determined to be from the 700s and preserved through the centuries. This ancient text features pages delicately lined with prayers, poems, and intricate drawings from the Hebrew Bible, encapsulating the profound nuances of an era long gone.
Carlos Campo, CEO of the Museum of the Bible, articulated the exhibit’s unique allure, emphasizing its coinciding with the High Holy Days. He remarked, "When you combine the cultural significance and the religious significance and then release it during the High Holy Days, it’s a powerful testament to the commitment of the Jewish people."
The ALQ profoundly connects to the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan, once a thriving hub of Buddhism along the Silk Roads. This geographical and cultural interconnection highlights the complex networks of religious and historical exchanges across Asia. The press release from the museum highlighted how Christians, Jews, and Muslims collectively contributed to the preservation and understanding of this vital manuscript.
The exhibit further illustrates how the ALQ incorporates pages from what researchers know to be the oldest discovered Passover Haggadah, a pivotal text in Jewish religious traditions. Scholars have praised the ALQ for its impeccable preservation and the detailed insight it provides into early Jewish liturgical practices.
Campo also shed light on the architectural magnificence of the Museum of the Bible itself. He contends that the structure is a feast for the eyes and the soul—a place where the physical grandeur of the building meets the spiritual grandeur of the Bible's teachings. "They walk in the museum and they see the grand hall and it’s a 150-foot-long space that is more than a story high. It immediately gives you a sense of wonder," Campo described.
The CEO further elaborated on the profound impact of the scripture as it bridges humanity with the divine, reflecting, "It gives you a sense of wonder as it ties humanity to God."
The Sacred Words exhibit will remain open until January 12, 2025, providing visitors with an extensive window to explore this rare artifact. The collaboration across different faiths to bring this exhibit to fruition underscores universal respect for sacred texts and shared human heritage.
As the Museum of the Bible continues to draw visitors with its dynamic displays and engaging exhibits, the unveiling of the ALQ represents not just a testament to Jewish survival and faith but also to the enduring power of sacred words that once echoed through the corridors of time.
