.- The
Cradle of Christianity exhibit, which opened at the Maltz Museum of
Jewish Heritage in Cleveland April 1, is designed to give visitors the
sense of walking through chapters of the New Testament, reported
National Public Radio journalist David Barnett.
The curator made
great efforts to link historical objects to biblical stories. For
example, bronze and silver coins dating back 2,000 years, have been
arranged on a pedestal to illustrate the annual fee that worshippers
were charged when they visited the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem during
biblical times.
Curator David Mevorah told NPR that is what prompted an angry Jesus of Nazareth to kick the moneychangers out of the courtyard.
The 15 tons of
artifacts on display also include a cornerstone bearing the name of
Pontius Pilate, a rusted nail that was used in a crucifixion, an
ancient incense container, a first-century ossuary with the
inscription: "Jesus (Yeshua) son of Joseph." However, both were very
common names during that time. The exhibit also includes the
reconstruction of the altar area of a Byzantine-era Christian church,
the components of which were excavated from 10 different sites.
One of the main
attractions, however, comprises three scraps of slightly yellowed
parchment, illuminated by a dim spotlight that slowly pulses on and off
at 40-second intervals. They form one of the most important texts of
the Dead Sea Scrolls and they are making their first appearance ever
outside of Israel.
The
2,000-year-old Hebrew scrolls, whose author is unknown, are clearly
legible and read as a critique of religious practices of the time.
The artifacts, including the scrolls, are permanently housed in Jerusalem's Israel Museum.
Key Dead Sea Scroll debut in Cleveland, part of exhibit which seeks to walk visitors through New Testament
Related news
Related articles
Feb
12
Liturgical Calendar
February 12, 2012
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeAll readings:
Today »This year »
Featured Videos
 |
World Youth Day organizers unveil Brazilian-themed logo for 2013 |
 |
"World Youth Day - Rio 2013" Logo Release |
 |
Eduardo Verastegui at Lighthouse Pregnancy Center Fundraiser |
Catholic Daily
Daily Readings
First Reading:: Lev 13:1-2, 44-46Psalm:: Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11Second Reading:: 1 Cor 10:31-11:1Gospel:: Mk 1:40-45
Most Popular
