The National Library of Israel has commenced a public exhibition of the 14th-century Shem Tov Bible, a cherished artifact from medieval Spain, following its acquisition by a family for a record-breaking seven-figure sum. The Bible, which holds significant historical and artistic value, is now housed at the library after a long journey through various locations in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Created by Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon, the Bible was completed in 1312 and marked by intricate artwork influenced by Islamic and Christian art. It was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 2024 for $6.9 million. The book’s journey across centuries has led it to its current home in Jerusalem, where it has been exhibited since May 8, 2024, according to a recent press release.
Israeli officials have praised the return of the Bible to its original home, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. Its display offers a unique opportunity for scholars and the public to engage with its artistic and scholarly elements, including its gilded frames, illuminated marginal markers, and references to historical documents.
According to the press release, the Bible was created with the intent of being housed in the land of Israel, and its return to Jerusalem is seen as a profound moment in the study of Jewish heritage. The National Library of Israel’s chairman, Sallai Meridor, described the exhibition as a deeply significant event, noting that the manuscript has come full circle after traveling through numerous locations, including Baghdad, Tripoli, London, and Geneva.
The Herenstein family, who acquired the Bible, expressed their satisfaction with its placement in the library’s permanent collection and its upcoming digitization for global access. They emphasized that the text is a prime example of medieval Jewish bookmaking and its historical importance.
Curator Chaim Neria highlighted the Bible’s role in preserving lost traditions and its insights into the Sefer Tagei, a traditional guide for writing sacred texts. He also mentioned the manuscript’s notations referencing the Hilleli Codex of 600 CE, which has since disappeared.
This recent exhibition comes amidst a series of similar historical finds, including the return of the Di Gara text to a Jewish seminary and the discovery of an ancient mikveh in Italy, both of which have drawn significant attention for their cultural and historical value.