A glimpse at a remnant from an 11th century prayer book discovered in the Cairo Genizah
A Receipt for Funds to Redeem Captives Signed by Maimonides
Did you know that Maimonides’ first public activity in Egypt was a large-scale mission to get Jews out of Crusader captivity?
The Esther Scroll of Amsterdam That Damned the Enemies of the Jews
This was what happened when the Purim merriment of the Jews of Amsterdam mixed with a desire for revenge against the Spanish.
A Spectacular 400-Year-Old Esther Scroll
This magnificent Esther Scroll was created in Ferrara, Italy, in the 17th century. Its illustrations were influenced by Renaissance art and offered ecouragement to the local Jewish community in times of trouble.
What Can You Find in the World’s Oldest Yiddish Letter? Exactly What You Would Expect
Looking for proof that nothing ever changes? In this ancient letter a mother complains to her son that he doesn’t write to her often enough… Sound familiar?
You’re Going to Die and be Buried – So Better Do It in Style
Documents from the Cairo Genizah: How is one to be buried? And more importantly, what should one wear to the burial? Egyptian Jews had clear requirements on the matter.
Moving Testimony: A Prayer from the Anusim of the Communist Revolution
A rare manuscript reveals that even in the midst of Soviet oppression there were Jews who insisted on preserving a remnant of their ancestors’ faith.
A Parrot from India Recites ‘Shema Yisrael’ in Cairo
A particular parrot mentioned in a manuscript from the famous Cairo Genizah possessed an impressive knowledge of Jewish scripture!
Watch the Incredible Story of the Catalan Mahzor
The Catalan Mahzor survived the edict of expulsion from Spain, was smuggled out of Nazi Germany to the United States, and eventually found its way to the National Library in Jerusalem.
