MS 1053, Numbers 8:1 to 11:18

MS 1053, Numbers 8:1 to 11:18

MS1053 comes from Persia. Written on a rich golden brown gevil, its age is calculated to be approximately 280 years. The fragment consists of four columns of text extracted from a larger Torah Scroll. The narrative contains part of the Book of Numbers, from Numbers 8:1 to 11:8. It details the process of lighting the Menorah, the induction of the Levites and the celebration of the first Passover in the desert.
The scroll exhibits a very simple writ written by the use of a reed. Of particular interest are the shapes of the "Open" and "Closed" paragraphs (Petuchot & Setumot) which differ from the modern standard. Salient characteristics include the dot over the letter HEH of the word “Rechokah” in the second column and the reversed NUNs on the top of the last column.

Howard B. Singer

Age: approximately 280 years.

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22" x 21.5"

Not to transcribe

scroll, Gevil parchment