Encounters of Beauty

• Features new photography of unpublished and rarely seen manuscripts from two of the world’s leading collections
• Exhibition will serve as the first temporary exhibition of the National Library of Israel’s new building in Jerusalem

For the first time, exquisite and rarely seen ancient Hebrew manuscripts are presented in this stunning volume as “encounters”, highlighting their similarities and differences in a striking, visual conversation between manuscripts from two outstanding collections.

This cleverly designed and richly illustrated dual language English and Hebrew publication will accompany the first temporary exhibition in the new building of the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. It draws its objects from both the Library’s collection and the highly prestigious, privately owned Braginsky Collection of Zurich, Switzerland.

Vibrant new photography brings these manuscripts, printed books, Esther Scrolls and marriage contracts to life. Engaging texts examine such themes as community, migration, spirituality, mysticism, and inspiration, which will be enlightening to all interested in Hebrew manuscripts and the history and culture of the Jewish people.

Emile Schrijver is General Director of the Jewish Historical Museum and Jewish Cultural Quarter, Amsterdam, is a professor of Jewish Book History at the University of Amsterdam, serves as the Curator of the Braginsky Collection of Hebrew Manuscripts and Printed books in Zurich, Switzerland and is the chair of the board of the Association of European Jewish Museum, among other posts.
Yigal Zalmona is the former Chief Curator of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, where he also served as curator of Israeli Art and the Chief Curator of Fine Arts, and is adviser to the National Library of Israel in matters of exhibitions and art.
Ardon Bar-Hama is known for photographing the world’s most treasured objects in libraries, museums, archives, and institutions.