ElephantinePassoverDiasporaJudaism

Do Jewish Letters from Elephantine Mention Passover?

Explore a letter from Egyptian Jews in 5th century BC Elephantine requesting Passover instructions.

Timeline Focus: 419 BCE

The Surprising Reality

On a papyrus from 419 BC, Jews at Elephantine asked Jerusalem how to keep Passover while under Persian rule.

🤔The Context Question

But here's what most people don't realize: this letter shows Jewish communities abroad maintaining biblical observance centuries after the exile.

📚What We Know

The papyrus requests guidance on sacrifice and timing. It confirms diaspora devotion and Jerusalem's authority. Aligning this with Ezra's reforms helps map Jewish worship continuity.

Explore the Full Context

Jump to 419 BC and see exactly how Jews kept Passover in exile—discover the resilience of covenant memory.

Explore Interactive Timeline & Map

See the complete historical context with our interactive map and timeline

🔗Related Topics

artifact

Elephantine Passover Letter

Explore in interactive app →

event

Passover

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📖Biblical References

📜Exodus 12📜Ezra 6:19–22

Scripture references supporting this historical context