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Home / Exhibits / Special Exhibits
The Birth of Christianity:
A Jewish Story
Featured Artifacts
Photographed by Gaby Laron, Institute of Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story features a number of remarkable objects, brought together specifically for this exhibit from Israel, Europe and North America, including:
Epistle to the Hebrews. Papyrus 1532 of the British Library in London, a New Testament manuscript that includes a section of the Epistle to the Hebrews in which the author refers at some length to some of the major figures in the Old Testament, thus arguing for the deep roots of the Christian faith in Judaism.
A large–scale model of Jerusalem (ca. 2x2 meters) of the Second Temple period (525 BCE–70 CE), which is made of stone. The reproduction was built specifically for this special exhibition.
One of the ossuaries on display in The Birth Of Christianity: A Jewish Story bears an inscription that reads “Alexander, son of Simon of Cyrene.” According to the New Testament Gospels, Simon of Cyrene was forced to bear Jesus’ cross on his way to be crucified (Mark 15:21; Matt 27:32).
An unusual object on view is a large mosaic fragment (115 x 110 cm), located in the fifth section of the exhibit, showing a menorah and a shofar.
Purchase tickets to experience The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story and the accompanying series of Distinguished Lectures. Expand on the exhibit experience with an optional audio guide; $5 for Members and $7 for non-members.
Photo Gallery
Ring oil-lamp. This oil lamp was created around the 1st century BCE. Oil was poured into the center and would flow into the eleven nozzles, providing multiple flames. This beautiful piece of pottery is about 20 centimeters in diameter.
Ossuary. This piece of pottery was created in the 1st century BCE. It was used in funeral practices for Jews in and around the area of Jerusalem. The bones of the deceased were placed in this box. This funeral ritual was only practiced during the Roman period.
Incense shovel. This shovel, created during the first century CE, is a copper alloy. It is about 38 centimeters in length.
Coin from 333 BC. A coin from the time period of Alexander the Great. The front of the coin depicts the face of Alexander the Great. It is made of silver.
Coin from 333 BC. A coin from the time of Alexander the Great. The front of the coin depicts the face of Alexander, while the reverse (shown left) shows the Greek God Zeus seated. It is made of silver.
Coin from 68/69 CE. This coin was made at a time when the Jews were in rebellion against Rome. The front side has a chalice and the inscription: “Shekel of Israel.” It is made out of silver.
Coin from 68/69 CE. This coin was made at a time when the Jews were in rebellion against Rome. The front side of the coin shows a chalice. The reverse side (shown left) has a stem with three pomegranates and the inscription: “Holy Jerusalem.” It is made of silver.
Sandal. This sandal is made out of leather and dates to the 1st century CE.
Blown glass vessels. These are bottles, plates, amphoriskos, beakers, modiolus (measuring-cup) and unguentarium created during the 1st century CE .
Mirror Plaque. This mirror plaque depicts a Menorah and has two birds on either side. It dates to the Byzantine period (ca. 5th century CE) and is made of limestone.
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