Oldest Jewish book in the world on display at Museum of the Bible ahead of Rosh Hashanah

The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. has opened a new exhibit showcasing the oldest Jewish book in the world ahead of Rosh Hashanah. The exhibit, “Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book,” features the Afghan Liturgical Quire (ALQ), a medieval manuscript containing prayers, poems, and drawings from the Hebrew Bible. Scholars have dated the ALQ back to the 700s, making it the oldest intact Hebrew book. The exhibit highlights the collaborative effort of Christians, Jews, and Muslims in preserving and understanding this sacred book. The museum’s CEO, Carlos Campo, believes the exhibit provides a sense of wonder and reverence for the Bible. The exhibit will be on display until January 12, 2025.