New Exhibit at Museum of the Bible Showcases Interfaith Collaboration Ahead of Rosh Hashanah

The Museum of the Bible has opened a compelling new exhibit titled “Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book,” which explores the intersection of faiths as Rosh Hashanah approaches. The highlight of the exhibit is the Afghan Liturgical Quire (ALQ), the oldest known Jewish book.

Originating from the 700s, the ALQ is a medieval manuscript that features prayers, poems, and illustrations from the Hebrew Bible, including the oldest discovered pages of the Passover Haggadah.

According to a press release from the Museum of the Bible, the ALQ has an intriguing link to the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, an area where Buddhism once thrived along the Silk Roads. The manuscript was rescued through the collaborative efforts of Christians, Jews, and Muslims, who came together to preserve and share this piece of history with the world.

Since its establishment in 2017, the Museum of the Bible has recently celebrated welcoming its 3 millionth visitor, further solidifying its importance as a center for cultural and educational exchange.