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!
Resolving Biblical Contradictions – in Translation
The first Hebrew translation of the famous work El Conciliador also served as the translator’s own personal diary
A First Glimpse into the Treasures of the “Afghan Genizah”
A first glimpse into a few fascinating documents that reveal the life of the Afghan-Jewish communities during the 11th-13th centuries
The Jew Who Fought Against the Censors of the Inquisition
From a rare Jewish-Italian manuscript: An outraged letter from the Jews of Ferrara to the Inquisition authorities requesting they stop censoring their printed books.
Just How Literate Were Jewish Women of the Past? The Cairo Geniza Tells All
Boys in antiquity were taught to read and write – this we know. But were girls their brothers’ peers? What about their mothers?
The Feminist Version of the Jewish Morning Blessing
Do you thank the Almighty for making you a man or a woman? Two fifteenth-century manuscripts show the choice is yours!
