Rare 14th-Century Shem Tov Bible Shines in Israel After Epic Global Journey

A rare 14th-century Shem Tov Bible, a masterpiece of medieval Jewish scholarship, has returned to Israel for a public exhibit at the National Library of Israel, captivating visitors since May 8. This sacred text, crafted in 1312 by Kabbalist rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon in Spain, embarked on an epic journey through Jerusalem, Baghdad, Tripoli, London, and Geneva before its homecoming. Purchased for $6.9 million at a 2024 Sotheby’s auction, the Bible is now on loan from the Herenstein family, who praise its intricate artistry as a pinnacle of medieval Jewish bookmaking.

The manuscript’s pages burst with gothic arches, gilded frames, and vibrant illustrations inspired by Islamic and Christian art, blending cultural motifs into a distinctly Jewish tradition. Its detailed notations reference the long-lost Hilleli Codex of 600 CE, offering scholars a rare window into vanished Jewish scribal practices. In the 17th century, North African communities revered it, believing it eased childbirth when brought to expecting mothers.

Sallai Meridor, chairman of the National Library, called the exhibit a ‘profoundly significant’ moment, noting the Bible’s return to the land where its creator intended it to reside. The manuscript will also be digitized, making its beauty and wisdom accessible worldwide. This exhibit joins other recent Jewish historical discoveries, like the 16th-century Di Gara text and a 1,600-year-old mikveh in Italy, illuminating the enduring legacy of Jewish culture.