EUGENE, Ore. – The Kellenberger Library at Bushnell University recently held a special event to open and read from a rare and significant historical artifact, the Scroll. The Scroll has been safely kept in a vault at the library for decades and survived the Holocaust, making it a valuable piece of history.
The Torah Scroll is a handwritten copy of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Pentateuch. It is believed to be from the 18th century and originates from a synagogue in Poland. During the Holocaust, many Torah scrolls were destroyed, making the survival of this one particularly noteworthy.
The event was led by Librarian Specialist Robin Hartman, who shared some of the history of the Torah scroll and other ancient manuscripts located in the library’s rare Bible collection. Dr. Lynn Jacobson read from a portion of the scroll in Hebrew and English, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to experience the beauty of the language and the significance of the text.
The Torah Scroll represents our shared heritage with the Jewish people. The care taken by the Jewish scribes to safeguard the veracity of the text is unparalleled when compared to other ancient texts, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
“It is a blessing for Bushnell Bible students to experience the Old Testament in its original format and language. Students of Biblical Hebrew lit up when they realized they could recognize some of the Hebrew letters and words. We hope that there will be more opportunities for students to experience Bushnell’s hidden treasure.” Dr. Lynn Jacobson.
The Torah scroll is a cherished artifact that has survived the atrocities of the Holocaust, and its presence at the Kellenberger Library is a testament to the university’s commitment to preserving history and culture. The event provided a platform for the community to come together and appreciate the importance of ancient manuscripts and their role in shaping our understanding of the world.
Attendees were captivated by the experience and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness the opening of the Torah scroll. The event was a success, and it serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
About Bushnell University
Founded in 1895 Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell.
Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through course formats on campus, online, and evening, as well as online programs for MBA, MA in Leadership, and M.Ed. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.
