A 14th-century manuscript known as the Shem Tov Bible, revered for its rare blend of religious and artistic influences, has been unveiled at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem.

Purchased for $6.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2024, the Shem Tov Bible is now on long-term loan to the National Library of Israel and featured in the “A Treasury of Words” exhibition, the Christian Post reported.

Originally completed in 1312 in Spain by Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon, the manuscript draws upon Jewish, Islamic, and Christian artistic styles. It serves as a striking example of the multicultural environment in which it was created.

Rabbi Ibn Gaon left Spain in 1315, immigrating to the Land of Israel, where he continued his scholarly endeavors until he died in 1330. It is believed that his Bible also made the journey with him, staying in the Middle East for centuries afterward.

By the 17th century, the manuscript had arrived in North Africa. There, local communities attributed mystical attributes to the Bible, including the belief that it could aid in easing childbirth.

Historic Journey Spanning Continents and Centuries

In the 20th century, the Shem Tov Bible came into the possession of David Solomon Sassoon, a renowned collector of rare Hebrew manuscripts. During this period, the manuscript was also rebound, preserving its pages for future generations.

In 1984, it was acquired by a major European Judaica collection, remaining largely out of public view. Around a decade later, Swiss collector Jaqui Safra purchased the manuscript, adding it to his private holdings.

The manuscript reentered the public spotlight in 2024, when American collectors Terri and Andrew Herenstein bought it for $6.9 million at Sotheby’s New York. Their acquisition underscored the Bible’s continued historical and cultural importance.

Now Part of a Public Cultural Treasure

On May 8, the Shem Tov Bible was revealed as a centerpiece in the “A Treasury of Words” exhibition, now on display in the William Davidson Permanent Exhibition Gallery at Jerusalem’s National Library of Israel.

The Herenstein family provided a long-term loan of the manuscript to the National Library, allowing visitors to view a rare example of medieval Hebrew artistry and calligraphy.

“The Shem Tov Bible is a unique cultural artifact,” the Herenstein family shared in a statement, calling it a demonstration of the artistry and scholarly precision representative of Jewish bookmaking during the medieval period.

A Window Into Disappearing Traditions

According to Chaim Neria, curator at the National Library of Israel, the manuscript reflects the peak of biblical scholarship and Kabbalistic thought during the Middle Ages. He emphasized its academic value in helping modern scholars better understand Jewish textual traditions.

Neria also noted the Bible’s use of the Sefer Tagei, a traditional scribal guide for writing sacred texts. This inclusion opens a door to studying long-lost techniques and ancient manuscripts like the Hilleli Codex of 600 CE, which the Shem Tov Bible references in its margins.

“The codex allows scholars to analyze textual customs that might otherwise remain only in theory,” Neria said. He called the manuscript’s preservation and display an “unparalleled resource.”

Homecoming Marks Milestone for Jewish Heritage

Sallai Meridor, chair of the National Library of Israel, reflected on the significance of the manuscript’s return to Jerusalem. He pointed out that its arrival coincided with Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah, making the event especially meaningful.

“Having traveled from Spain to Jerusalem, Baghdad, Tripoli, London, and Geneva, the Shem Tov Bible has come full circle,” Meridor said. “It is now home, where Rabbi Shem Tov once lived and where he likely imagined the manuscript would reside.”

The Herenstein family also expressed pride in making the manuscript accessible to the public. They noted that, beyond its inclusion in the exhibit, the Shem Tov Bible is undergoing high-standard digitization to support scholarly research and worldwide viewing.