Looking for a unique Christmas gift for the curious worshiper in your home? How about tickets to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Franklin Institute and Discovery Times Square in Philadelphia in May?
Organizers say the new exhibition features the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized — including one of the largest collections of the priceless 2000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in the North America. Included is an actual 3-ton stone from the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
The exhibition, which marks the world debut of four scrolls, will be at The Franklin Institute for five months. The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and unearthed in caves on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea from 1947-1956.
Considered among the world’s greatest archeological discoveries, the Scrolls contain the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible. The 20-scroll exhibition (10 scrolls displayed at a time) will include pieces from the biblical books of Genesis, Psalms, Exodus, Isaiah, and others.
The artifacts and Scrolls combine to provide an intriguing look at one of the most influential periods in history — including the emergence of ancient Israel and the births of Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land.
Other objects on display will include remains of religious articles, weapons of war, stone carvings, textiles and beautiful mosaics along with everyday household items such as jewelry and ceramics.
Tickets to The Franklin Institute are $31.50 for adults and $25 for children ages 3-11. Purchase tickets here, or call Call 1-877-TFI-TIXS.
For criticism of this exhibit, focused in part on statements offensive to Jews that are allegedly included in some of the explanatory material being presented to the public, you may wish to consult the various articles collected at the following site:
http://open.salon.com/blog/dead_sea_scrolls_nyc/2012/04/06/dead_sea_scrolls_exhibit_controversy_moves_to_philadelphia
http://open.salon.com/blog/dead_sea_scrolls_nyc/2012/01/10/discovery_times_square_scrolls_exhibit_gets_more_bad_reviews
etc.