The archive of one of the most important Jewish thinkers of our time recently arrived at the National Library: the personal files of the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, a Jewish leader who was admired around the world, and a close friend of King Charles III. This is the story of a person who would have preferred “man” and “Jew” to any other title on earth.
The Riddle of the Baal Shem Tov
No one knows when or where he was born, but on the festival of Shavuot we mark the passing of the Baal Shem Tov, one of the most influential figures in the Jewish world of the past few centuries. Was “The Besht” a real person or just a Hasidic legend? How has this enigmatic figure influenced generations of followers? How did he foresee his own death? Dr. Chaim Neria, curator of our Judaica Collection, offers insight on the life of this fascinating person.
Rabbi Chaim Abraham Gagin: The Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and the Ottoman Empire
Helping merchants in the markets of Jerusalem, saving the Samaritans of Nablus, and corresponding with Jewish communities around the world – the archive of Rabbi Chaim Abraham Gagin tells the story of one of the 19th century’s most fascinating Jewish figures…
Revealed: The Renowned Kabbalist’s ‘Hidden’ Letter
Message sent to ‘The Holy Ari’ reflects his influence at the time, outside the mystical realm
Rabbi Löw’s “Kiss” from Prison
101 years after it was written, “The Kiss” by preeminent Hungarian Rabbi Immánuel Löw has finally been translated into English
Priests, Rabbis and Sweets: A Bold Approach to Interfaith Relations
The 19th century words and efforts of Rabbi Israel Moshe Hazan
In Memoriam: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and “The Home of the Book”
In his own words, what does a new library for the Jewish world in Jerusalem mean?
Eating by Example on Yom Kippur, an Epidemic Story
When cholera ran rampant, saving lives superseded all else
The Ramban’s Prayer Unearthed and in English for the First Time
“Guide me in your truth and fulfill me from its delights”
