By Erin Levi
In a remarkable display of historical preservation, the Afghan Liturgical Quire has found its way to the Jewish Theological Seminary Library in New York, bringing with it a rich narrative of Jewish life along the Silk Road.
Jack Abraham, a prominent figure in the Afghan Jewish community—he is the three-time president of Congregation Anshei Shalom and current chairman of the Afghan Jewish Heritage Committee—has been instrumental in preserving this heritage. As he passionately explained to the Bukharian Times, the book represents far more than just an ancient manuscript. «We lived in Afghanistan for 2,600 years, in every major city,» Abraham recounted, «but today, there is no trace of us.»
“This is our heritage—it is the collective heritage of every Mizrahi.” Abraham, whose father was Afghan-Persian and mother was Bukharian, added, “I’m claiming it for the entire Mizrahi community.”
The manuscript, dating back to approximately 700 CE, offers a unique glimpse into a world long gone – a world of Jewish merchants, traders, and communities that once thrived along the ancient Silk Road.
Abraham emphasized the crucial role of Jewish merchants in historical trade networks: «We were responsible for transferring funds from Europe to China. There were no banks back then, but Jews along the Silk Road created a financial system that allowed money to move securely.» Essentially, the Silk Road thrived many thanks to its Jews.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the manuscript is its linguistic and cultural complexity. Abraham noted that documents from Jewish communities, like those in Kaifeng, China, were «written in Persian using Rashi script» – a writing system deeply connected to his own family’s history. «I even used to communicate with my father in Persian, written in Rashi script,» he shared.
The book’s journey is as remarkable as its contents. While now safely housed in New York, Abraham highlighted the community’s careful consideration of its preservation. «We fully support the Museum of the Bible as its custodian, ensuring that Jews and others can access it freely,» he explained.
Perhaps most poignantly, Abraham sees the book as a testament to a vanishing heritage. «A journalist once called me before going to Afghanistan for research,» he recalled. «He visited Balkh but couldn’t even find the Jewish cemetery. Not a single trace of our presence remained.»
For the Afghan Jewish community, now largely dispersed, this book represents something profound. As Abraham put it, «That’s why this book’s presence in the U.S. is so important – it serves as a lasting testament to our Mizrahi heritage.» The book was found in Bamiyan, Afghanistan and it is the collective heritage and inheritance of the entire Mizrahi community, a remnant of the Babylonian exile.
Community Response
The exhibit’s opening on March 18th drew significant community interest, with approximately 150 to 200 people attending the event, including a strong contingent of Mashadi and Bukharian Jews. This turnout underscores the manuscript’s importance to the Jewish community, particularly for those with connections to Mizrahi and Afghan Jewish heritage.
Looking to the Future
Beyond its current exhibition, the manuscript holds even more promise. Abraham is now exploring bringing the book to Israel for specialized research, with a unique focus. Unlike traditional academic studies, he is interested in examining the manuscript from a purely religious perspective.
The book’s significance is unprecedented – it is currently the oldest known religious book in the world, predating the previous oldest known siddur by approximately 200 years. The previous oldest manuscript, which originated in Sura, Iraq, represented a rich tradition of Eastern Jewish customs – a testament to the Mizrahi Jewish heritage.
This potential research could unlock new insights into ancient Jewish liturgical practices, bridging centuries of religious tradition and scholarship. As Abraham has consistently emphasized, the manuscript is more than just a historical artifact – it is a living connection to a vibrant, nearly forgotten Jewish civilization.
“Sacred Words: Revealing the Earliest Hebrew Book,” will be on view at the Jewish Theological Seminary Library (3080 Broadway) from Weds., March 19 through July 17.