May 1, 2025 • 35 mins
Yael Steiner and Jonathan Schwab explore one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries in Jewish history: two tiny silver scrolls unearthed in Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem's Old City. Dated to the First Temple period—centuries older than the Dead Sea Scrolls—these amulets contain the earliest known inscription of a Biblical verse: the Birkat Kohanim, or priestly blessing. Yael shares how a 13-year-old boy accidentally uncovered a hidden burial chamber packed with ancient treasure, including the scrolls, and how scholars painstakingly unrolled and deciphered them using cutting-edge techniques.
Click here to see images of the Ketef Hinnom amulets and archeological site.
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Click here for a vocabulary list from the episode.
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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews
Mark as Played
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