The Shem Tov Bible was written in 1312 by Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon, a Kabbalist scholar living in medieval Spain. Meticulously handwritten and beautifully illustrated, the manuscript reflects the fusion of Islamic and Christian artistic influences adapted to Jewish traditions. The text includes ornate features such as Gothic arches, arcades, gilded frames, and illuminated margins.

Historic Journey From Spain to the Middle East

After completing the manuscript, Rabbi Shem Tov carried the Bible on a two-year journey to the region now known as Israel. He spent the remainder of his life deepening his knowledge of Judaism there until he died in 1330.

The Bible remained in the Middle East for several centuries before being relocated to North Africa during the 17th century. During this time, it accumulated a reputation for mystical significance, especially surrounding childbirth, where its presence was believed to ease labor, according to the National Library of Israel.

The manuscript later traveled extensively over the following centuries, passing through cities like Baghdad, Tripoli, London, and Geneva. Eventually, it returned to Jerusalem in recent years after its sale through Sotheby’s auction house in 2024.

New Home at the National Library of Israel

The National Library is currently hosting the Shem Tov Bible in its public exhibition alongside other foundational Jewish texts. The manuscript, on loan from the Herenstein family, is housed among the library’s most treasured items.

“Having traveled from Spain to Jerusalem, Baghdad, Tripoli, London, and Geneva, the Shem Tov Bible has come full circle and is now back home,” said Israeli diplomat Sallai Meridor. He described its return as “profoundly significant.”

The Herenstein family expressed enthusiasm about the loan and emphasized the importance of accessibility. “We are delighted that the Shem Tov Bible is incorporated into the Library’s permanent exhibition,” the family said, adding that it will soon be digitized for a global audience to enjoy and study.

Design and Manuscript Details Offer Unique Insights

According to a statement from the National Library, the Shem Tov Bible is a masterful blend of artistic traditions of the 14th century. Its decorative elements reflect design languages from Islamic and Christian sources, integrated into a Jewish context to elevate its sanctity.

Chaim Neria, a curator at the library, pointed out the manuscript’s adherence to the “Sefer Tagei,” a guide that outlines rituals and regulations for writing sacred Jewish texts. These standards helped preserve the Bible’s sacred consistency and connect it to scribal traditions.

Neria also highlighted groundbreaking notations within the manuscript that reference now-lost writings such as the Hillel Codex from 600 CE. These marginal notes add depth to the historical context and emphasize the Shem Tov Bible’s role in preserving knowledge.

Part Of A Wider Trend Of Rediscovery

The Shem Tov Bible joins a growing number of rediscovered Jewish cultural artifacts gaining renewed attention. In recent years, the reemergence of historic items such as the Di Gara text from the 16th century and the excavation of a 1,600-year-old mikveh in Italy have drawn global interest.

Experts see this trend as part of a larger movement to reclaim lost or scattered pieces of Jewish history. The digitization efforts accompanying such discoveries ensure that these manuscripts are preserved and made accessible for both scholars and the broader public.

Efforts to scan the Shem Tov Bible are already underway to make its pages available to researchers and enthusiasts anywhere in the world. The digitization process will capture high-resolution images that reveal details invisible to the naked eye.

A Priceless Artifact, Finally Home

Though its journey spanned centuries and continents, the Shem Tov Bible’s return to Jerusalem signifies a powerful homecoming. It now sits near the community where its creator once lived, studied, and envisioned its lasting impact.

With its inclusion in the National Library's collection, the manuscript stands not only as a religious text but also as a witness to the artistic, cultural, and spiritual dialogues of its time. Its public display offers a unique opportunity to connect with a meaningful past.

As thousands of visitors prepare to view the historic manuscript, its delicate pages continue to tell a story that spans over 700 years—a tale of creation, pilgrimage, exile, and return.