EARLIEST VERSIONS OF HEBREW BIBLE
Seattle 9/29

After resting undisturbed for almost two millennia, the wisdom of the ancients is delivered to modern scholars.

The people of Seattle will be able to visit an incredible exhibit titled “Discovering the Dead Sea Scrolls” at the Pacific Science Center September 23-January 7, 2007. Shrouded in mystery, the Dead Sea scrolls remained hidden from the world; only a select few had seen them until 1991, when the first photos of them were published.

The exhibit features ten original scrolls with the earliest versions of the Hebrew Bible–the books of Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Psalms.

Here are 25 fascinating facts about the Dead Sea Scrolls as seen in part in Seattle: http://www.centuryone.com/25dssfacts.html.

The discovery of the scrolls proved that today’s Hebrew bible is “basically the same” and thus did not alter Jewish beliefs,” said Rabbi Salomon Cohen-Scali of Congregation Ezra Bessaroth in Seattle.

The scrolls attest to “the general reliability of the Hebrew text on which most modern translations have been made,” agreed George Nickelsburg, professor emeritus of religion at the University of Iowa and a Washington state resident.

The exhibit begins at the gateway which provides an introduction to contemporary Israel; there is a short video telling the history of the Dead Sea region; the “discovery of the century” is told, how in 1947 some Bedouin shepherds discovered some caves that held the Dead Sea Scrolls; the science and technology used by scientists to unlock the secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls is explained; a societal context is provided along with life in Qumran, the site of discovery; some scroll replicas are on display; then, comes the gallery of scrolls where each of ten original scrolls is paired with its translation, along with a description of its context; it’s possible to explore sacred texts from around the world and through the ages

The highlight of the exhibit is the display of ten Dead Sea Scrolls, with four scrolls never before seen by the public. The scrolls on display are not only religious manuscripts, but there are are apocreyphal scrolls and sectarian scrolls, which describe a lot of the do’s and don’ts in the community.

Speaking of manuscripts, the CAL-MOAA Council of Presidents will meet in Sacramento soon to debate a draft strategic plan and draft change in the bylaws. These documents, along with a copy of the current bylaws, will be on display for all to see and consider.

It’s important to have a quorum present so the presidents can determine the Council’s future and specifically to outline the do’s and don’ts necessary to future operations.

Scholars suggest there is a connection between what is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and New Testament writings. The Community at Qumran viewed itself as living in the end times, with the scroll of Isaiah pointing to a “messianic apocalypse” echoed in the New Testament.

The intent at Sacramento is to carefully plan a very bright and successful future for the California Council of Chapters (CAL-MOAA).

If those associated with the Council will participate more fully, it just might be possible to avoid something some are beginning to talk about, namely the Council’s “end times.”

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