"Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition" Unveils New Set of Scrolls

Sold-out Crowds Continue At the California Science Center

News provided by

California Science Center Foundation

Jun 16, 2015, 04:18 ET

LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- All new scroll sections, some of which have never been seen before in the US or shown publicly since their discovery, have now been unveiled in "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition", at the California Science Center. To protect the scrolls from light damage, each may remain on exhibit for just three months at a time. This new rotation of scrolls was brought in under high security, and is now on view to the public. The exhibition, created by the Israel Antiquities Authority, is the largest of its kind ever mounted outside of Israel, and features over 600 ancient artifacts that explore the science and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, manuscripts composed, copied and hidden in caves 2000 years ago.

Since opening on March 10, 2015, the exhibition has sold more than 120,000 tickets, frequently selling out on weekends, as guests viewed the first rotation of scrolls. This second rotation includes 10 scrolls that feature an entirely new set of fragmentary manuscripts, completely replacing the first set. The new installation, which will remain through the end of the exhibition, includes:

Prayer for King Jonathan (Liturgical Text)
It is perhaps the only Dead Sea Scroll, published to date, that can be dated with almost complete certainty to the first half of the first century BCE.
Songs of the Sage (Liturgical Text)
The Songs of the Sage are prayers or incantations of exorcism that were recited as protection against evil spirits. In this scroll, the act of praising God served to thwart the power of demonic beings.
Daily Prayers (Liturgical Text)
This fragmentary text is a collection of prayers that, at one time, may have filled as many as thirteen columns of text. A completely different collection of prayers is written on the other side of the papyrus.
Some Works of the Law (Non-biblical Text)
This text appears to have been written in the form of a letter and is unique in both its style and content. Scholars suggest that the letter includes a description of a 364-day solar calendar and a list of 20 or so laws dealing with the Temple, purity, sacrifices and festivals—several unique to the letter.
War Scroll (Non-biblical Text)
This scroll is part of a text that describes the final eschatological war between good and evil or "the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness," after which a new world order will reign.

Additional exhibition highlights include a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall, and a video that explains the discovery, excavation and restoration of the scrolls.

Through multimedia and science exhibits, guests explore the science and technology used to date these ancient manuscripts, decipher them, and preserve them for future generations. "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition" is created by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) from the collections of the Israel National Treasures and features the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized. Presenting sponsors of "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition" are The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, Jewish Life Television and the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, with additional support from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation, the Herta Amir and Paul Amir Foundation, the Stanley and Joyce Black Family Foundation, former County of Los Angeles Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky (District 3), the Teichman Family Charitable Foundation, Irwin S. Field, the Max Webb Foundation and Barry and Mireille Wolfe.

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Judaism at San Diego State University; and Ms. Debora Ben Ami, Iron Age Curator, Israeli Antiquities Authority.

To enhance their experience, Science Center visitors are encouraged to view JERUSALEM 3-D at the California Science Center IMAX® Theater... Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Star Trek into the Darkness," PBS's "Sherlock"), this giant screen film adventure immerses audiences in a cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City— to experience iconic sites cherished by billions, and explore on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this ancient, enigmatic place.

Combo tickets for both the exhibition and JERUSALEM 3-D are available at the Science Center box office and on the website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

About the California Science Center and Ticket Information
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films.

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. Please check the Science Center web site for schedule updates. Tickets for Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition are currently on sale. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online at www.californiasciencecenter.org to reserve an entry date & time. The general information number is (323) SCIENCE. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Admission to all other Science Center exhibits is free. More information is also available at www.californiasciencecenter.org

Go Metro to the California Science Center. Ride the Expo Line to the Expo Park/USC Station. For the best route, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net.

Media Contact:
Kristina Kurasz | [email protected]
(213) 744-7446

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation