World’s Oldest Jewish Book Unveiled in Washington Exhibit

A groundbreaking new exhibit at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. has unveiled what is believed to be the world’s oldest Jewish book. The remarkable discovery, dating back 1,300 years, hails from an 8th-century Jewish community along the Silk Road in the Bamiyan Valley, located in present-day Afghanistan. This tiny yet monumental text, measuring just five by five inches, offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of Jews who lived as a minority in the Buddhist-ruled region.

The exhibit showcases a book containing a variety of handwritten texts, including prayers, poems, and what researchers believe is the oldest known version of the Haggadah, a key text recited during the Passover seder. The discovery is the result of years of research and carbon dating, which astonished scholars by confirming the book’s age and its status as the earliest intact Hebrew codex by over a century.

While the museum’s findings have yet to be published, with a full report due in April through the esteemed academic publisher Brill, the exhibit has already sparked excitement among historians and Jewish scholars. Sharon Mintz, co-curator of the exhibit, expressed confidence that the upcoming research would validate the museum’s claims. “The Brill book will lay all doubts to rest,” she stated.

The story of the book’s discovery is as fascinating as its contents. In 1997, a member of Afghanistan’s Hazara minority found the manuscript in a cave near the famous Bamiyan Buddhas, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. After changing hands several times and narrowly avoiding being lost to history, the book eventually found its way to the Museum of the Bible. It had been mislabeled as “Egypt, circa 900 CE,” until researchers uncovered its true origin and historical significance.

Carbon dating in 2019 confirmed the age of the text, making it a significant find in the realm of Jewish history. While ancient Hebrew writings have been found before, most notably the 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls, this discovery represents the earliest known Jewish book in codex form, a groundbreaking shift from the more common scroll format.

The museum worked diligently to ensure the exhibit’s authenticity and gain the support of various stakeholders, including Jewish organizations and the Afghan Jewish Foundation. The exhibit will soon travel to New York, where it will be displayed at the Jewish Theological Seminary. It stands as a testament to the rich, multicultural history of the Silk Road and the enduring legacy of Jewish communities across the globe.

For history enthusiasts and those passionate about Jewish heritage, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to witness a relic that sheds light on the ancient world. Share this incredible discovery, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on historical finds and cultural exhibits.