Britannica Sources used in this answer

How were the Five Scrolls connected to synagogue readings?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Gutenberg Bible — biblical literature Two-page spread of the Book of Ecclesiastes from Johannes Gutenberg's 42-line Bible, c. 1450–55.

In Jewish tradition, the Five Scrolls—also known as the Megillot—are five specific books from the Ketuvim (the third division of the Hebrew Bible) that are read aloud in the synagogue during particular festivals and holy days.12

The connection between these scrolls and the synagogue liturgy is established by assigning a specific book to be read on a holiday that reflects its themes or historical context:23

Song of Solomon: Read on the Sabbath of Passover week.12
Book of Ruth: Read on Shavuot.12
Lamentations of Jeremiah: Read on Tisha be-Av.12
Ecclesiastes: Read on the Sabbath of the week of Sukkoth.12
Book of Esther: Read on Purim.12

While the reading of the Book of Esther on Purim is explicitly prescribed in the Mishna, the practice of reading the other four scrolls was introduced in the post-Talmudic period. These readings serve as a vital component of the synagogue's liturgical cycle, helping to ground the community's worship in the sacred texts associated with the rhythm of the religious year.123