Treasured 14th-century Shem Tov Bible finds its way home to Jerusalem

The National Library of Israel (NLI) has announced that a rare treasure is now on public display: the Shem Tov Bible – a work with an extraordinary fusion of biblical scholarship, artistic brilliance, Masoretic precision, and kabbalistic insight.

Crafted in 14th-century Spain by the renowned Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon – a leading figure in Jewish law and mysticism – this magnificent manuscript embodies the intellectual richness and spiritual depth of Sephardic Jewry at its height. A true masterpiece, the codex combines remarkable illumination, meticulous textual commentary, and a deep reverence for tradition, standing at the crossroads of Jewish art, Kabbalah, and the Masorah.

After completing the manuscript in 1312, Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon went on a traveling adventure of sorts before settling in Israel in 1315. He continued his scholarly and mystical pursuits until his passing around 1330.

The history of the Shem Tov Bible, its journey and ownership, is both fascinating and extensive. Over the centuries, the codex passed through various hands but remained in the Middle East for a long time. By the 17th century, it had made its way to North Africa, where it gained a reputation for possessing mystical qualities. Among its attributed powers was the ability to ease childbirth – it was even brought to women in labor to ensure a smooth delivery.

The Bible later came into the hands of renowned collector David Solomon Sassoon, who had it newly bound. In 1984, it changed ownership again, becoming part of a major European Judaica collection. A decade later, in 1994, it was acquired by Swiss collector Jaqui Safra.

Nearly 30 years later, in 2024, the manuscript reappeared at auction through Sotheby’s, a leading auction house in New York. It was then purchased by Terri and Andrew Herenstein, who generously placed it on long-term loan to the NLI, ensuring the Bible would be shared with the public and preserved for future generations.

Sallai Meridor, chairman of the NLI, said, “Receiving this manuscript, especially at the time of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah, is profoundly significant.”

Commenting on the Shem Tov Bible being returned Jerusalem, Meridor said it was special that the Bible had been returned “to the very place where Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon lived and intended for it to be, in the land of Israel, and now in Jerusalem. We are grateful to the Herenstein family for turning what might otherwise have been a dream into a reality.”

“We are delighted to know that the Shem Tov Bible is incorporated into the Library’s permanent exhibition of its greatest treasures, and equally delighted that the manuscript will be digitized to the highest standard, making it available worldwide, for study, research, or to simply enjoy its beauty,” the Herenstein family said in response.

Dr. Chaim Neria, curator of NLI's Haim and Hanna Solomon Judaica Collection, said, “The Shem Tov Bible – also known as the Sefer HaYashar – represents the pinnacle of biblical and kabbalistic scholarship in the medieval period. Its addition to the NLI collection provides an unparalleled resource for studying the development of the Masorah, and Jewish textual and artistic traditions, in particular those of Spain.”

“A significant aspect of the codex is its observance of the Sefer Tagei, a traditional guide outlining the scribal practices required for writing sacred texts. The surrounding notations reference earlier, now-lost documents, specifically the Hilleli Codex of 600 C.E. The Shem Tov Bible thus allows modern scholars to study traditions that have all but vanished from the historical record,” Neria shared.

In addition to its scholarly value, the Shem Tov Bible stands out as a stunning work of art. Its intricate design features include delicate arcades, gothic-style arches, depictions of birds and animals, verses framed in gold and vividly illuminated marginal symbols. These elements reflect a blend of the Islamic and Christian artistic influences of the time, thoughtfully integrated into the Jewish tradition of adorning sacred objects.

The Shem Tov Bible was unveiled to the public on May 8, 2025, as part of the A Treasury of Words exhibition, housed in the William Davidson Permanent Exhibition Gallery at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem