National Library of Israel to exhibit rare Hebrew manuscripts

The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem will host a three-day exhibition featuring four rare medieval and Renaissance Hebrew manuscripts. These items are part of the upcoming ‘Magnificent Judaica’ auction held by Sotheby’s in New York City.

The collection includes a richly illuminated Jewish holiday prayer book (mahzor) by the 15th-century scribe-artist Joel ben Simeon, and a large-scale Ashkenazic Pentateuch from Germany dating to approximately 1300. Also on display is a 15th-century Roman rite mahzor from Ferrara, Italy, which utilizes gold leaf and pigments alongside Christian artistic influences, and a 15th-century manuscript of Rabbi Moses of Coucy’s code of Jewish law, known as Sefer Mitzvot Gadol.

According to Sotheby’s, the four manuscripts are collectively estimated to be worth between $8 million and $15 million.