EPILOGUE
Ancient Treasures and the Dead Sea Scrolls is not only an exhibition
about ancient history that coincides with Biblical times. It recounts
a dynamic story which is still unfolding and which has spread throughout
the world in the nearly 2000 years since the Second Temple was
destroyed in 70 CE.
The Sepher Torah (illustrated below) that belonged to Canada's
first Jewish community, written on animal skins, recalls the ancient
scrolls of Qumran, yet the style of its lettering tells us that much
time has elapsed since then and many changes have taken place.
Canada's first Jewish community was established in Montreal in 1768.
As such, this beautiful document reminds us that Jews have been a
vital component of the Canadian mosaic for more than 230 years. The
presence of Jews in Canada is not only the result of twentieth century history.
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Sepher Torah.
Photo © Canadian Museum of Civilization
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