Charlotte's Discovery Place Presents The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at Charlotte’s Discovery Place will feature two scrolls never seen outside of Israel.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are considered one of the greatest archeological discoveries of the 20th century. They include the earliest written texts of the Bible and are nearly 2,300 years old.

Charlotte’s exhibit will include 10 original scrolls and three replicas. It will be at Discovery Place Feb. 17-May 29, 2006.

The scrolls coming to Charlotte that have never left Israel are transcripts of Numbers and Isaiah. Here is the full list of scrolls that will appear in Charlotte.

Biblical Scrolls Isaiah—This transcript from the prophet Isaiah highlights his vision on the end of days and a future of all-embracing peace. Numbers—This transcript, written in black ink with some words in red, relates the attempt of Balak, son of Zippor, to harm the people of Israel by a curse. War Rule—Making its U.S. debut, this is one of the apocryphal scrolls that describes the war between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness

Scrolls Psalms—The most frequently found biblical book in the caves at Qumran, this scroll is one of the best preserved. It includes 41 Psalms over five columns. and seven apocryphal compositions not included in the Bible. Paleo-Leviticus—Written in the ancient Hebrew script known as paleo-Hebrew, this scroll comprises the last chapters of the book of Leviticus. Genesis—This transcript deals with the patriarch Jacob near the end of his life and the blessings of Joseph’s sons. Enoch—This transcript comes from a collection of writings related to Enoch, a figure from Genesis. Community Rule—This is the set of rules according to which the people of Qumran conducted their lives. Calendrical Document—This transcript is related to holy seasons and the annual cycle of holidays. Nahum Commentary—This is the sect’s interpretation of the prophet Nahum.

Facsimiles Deuteronomy—Consisting of six columns, this replica contains part of Chapter 8 and Chapter 5, which includes the 10 Commandments. Aramaic Apocrypha—This manuscript is one piece of the extensive collection of apocalyptic literature in the library of the sect at Qumran. Damascus Document—A scroll that marks the beginning of scroll research. A copy of this document was found in 1890 in the Cairo genizah.

Tickets to the exhibition, which runs Feb. 17 through May 29, 2006, are on sale now. Those interested are encouraged to buy tickets for timed entry in advance by calling 704.372..6261, ext. 300 or 877.TIX.4DSS. Tickets are also available at www.discoverscrolls.org and through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or 704.522.6500.

Prices for the exhibit, which include admission to the Discovery Halls, are as follows: $20 for adults, $17 for children (ages 2-13) and seniors (60+) and $16 for groups and Discovery Place members. Admission for students who visit with their school on a regular school day is $11.

Discovery Place anticipates that visitors will travel from as far as 400 miles to see the exhibit and will extend its hours to meet demand beginning Feb 17. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Discovery Place hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admittance to the exhibit ends at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday hours will be 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admittance to the exhibit ends at 8 p.m. Sunday hours will be noon to 7:30 p.m. Admittance to the exhibit ends at 6 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.discoverscrolls.org