Israel Museum, Shrine of the Book

The Shrine of the Book is a part of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The Shrine, from the outside, appears as pottery, perhaps a clay jar lid, and is filled with ancient texts-scrolls-of both religious,and, general historical significance. Inside, the displays are, similar to the shape of the edifice, arranged in circular fashion, in temperature-controlled rooms with low light. The centuries-old scrolls are, indeed, amazingly preserved. Discovered at Qumran-territory of the Essenes-the scrolls represent every book of the Hebrew Bible, save Esther, and the oldest version of Isaiah found to date. Also on-site, adjacent to the Shrine, is a model of the Second City. Children and adults can enjoy, and learn from, a visit. (On a lighter note: Some say the Shrine looks like a hershey kiss.)