Dead Sea Scrolls: Life And Faith In Biblical Times World Premiere Opening Today At Discovery Times Square

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times, a new exhibition featuring the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized, including one of the largest collections of the priceless 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls displayed in North America along with an actual three-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall, is making its world premiere at Discovery Times Square (226 West 44th Street) from October 28, 2011 through April 15, 2012 .

Beginning today, visitors will have the opportunity to view many newly discovered objects from the Holy Land alongside the Dead Sea Scrolls – among them, the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible – and considered among the world's greatest archeological discoveries. The exhibition will display hundreds of biblical era artifacts, exploring life in ancient Israel at the time the Bible was composed through the period when the Dead Sea Scrolls were authored and eventually hidden. The exhibition will provide a unique window into the period when the traditions we know as Judaism and Christianity emerged from ancient Israel.  

"The exhibition brings to life a fascinating period in history and vividly highlights how archaeologists and researchers piece together the past by examining and interpreting objects from daily life and ancient written documents. Israel's archaeological sites and the artifacts they have yielded provide a record of extraordinary human achievement. The pots, coins, weapons, jewelry, and of course, the scrolls on display in this exhibition constitute a momentous contribution to our cultural legacy. They teach us about the past and also about ourselves," said Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn, exhibition curator. 

James Sanna, CEO of Discovery Times Square, added: "This unique new exhibit embodies the best that Discovery Times Square has to offer – quality, historical stories that are brought to life right in front of visitors' eyes. We are proud and excited to bring this exhibit to New York City as the world premiere."

"The collection on display highlights the Israel Antiquities Authority's Department of National Treasures," said Debora Ben Ami, Curator of the Iron Age collection at the IAA. " Israel is a country where history is considered a treasure and our most important national asset."

Following its New York premiere, the exhibition will travel to Philadelphia's The Franklin Institute for a 5-month run beginning in May 2012.  

Exhibition highlights include more than 500 artifacts from the Biblical to Byzantine Period in Israel including many objects from recent archaeological excavations in Jerusalem that have never been publicly exhibited. The artifacts and Scrolls combine to provide a captivating and intriguing look at one of the most influential periods in history including the emergence of ancient Israel and the births of Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land. Objects on display will include remains of religious articles, weapons of war, stone carvings, textiles and beautiful mosaics along with everyday household items such as jewelry and ceramics.

In addition, the exhibition will feature a scale recreation of a section of Jerusalem's Western Wall – complete with an authentic three-ton stone from the Wall in Israel. It is believed that this stone fell from the southwest corner of the Second Temple's outer wall during the Roman invasion in 70 CE.

The 20-scroll exhibit (10 scrolls displayed at a time, with 4 scrolls making their world debut) will include pieces from the biblical books of Psalms, Isaiah, Deuteronomy and others.