"Illumination: Hebrew Treasures from the Vatican and Major British Collections" is the title of the London Jewish Museum's first major temporary exhibition since its reopening in March.
The exhibition, which will last until 10 October 2010,brings together a collection of 24 rare manuscripts and books, exquisitely illuminated, including three from the Vatican Library, eight from the British Library, three from Lambeth Palace Library and eleven from the Bodleian Library which reveal a story of cultural exchange, practical cooperation and religious tolerance between Jews and non-Jews in the Muslim and Christian worlds during the Middle Ages and beyond.
It highlights:
- the oldest Hebrew Book in existence: a 9th century Midrash (commentary) on the book of Leviticus, the earliest Hebrew document in codex (book) form.
- an important Work of Jewish Law: A richly illuminated 15th century version of the Mishneh Torah, considered to be a Renaissance masterpiece, written in the 12th century by Maimonides, the greatest medieval rabbinical figure.
Both are on loan from the Vatican library.
Renowned creative, Patrick Kinmonth, responsible for some of the most innovative design projects in architecture, fashion, theatre and opera including Missoni’s flagship store in the USA in collaboration with Antonio Monfreda, and Anglomania at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in 2006, is the exhibition designer for Illumination.
Throughout history, many Hebrew manuscripts have been destroyed because they were considered heretical and dangerous. At other times, these manuscripts were collected, treasured and adorned by fervent bibliophiles. These collectors and scholars included non-Jewish students of the Hebrew Bible who had learnt Hebrew and Aramaic for the purpose of exploring the deeper meaning of the scriptures. The Vatican Library acquired an extensive collection of Hebrew manuscripts for its own internal study and scholarship, but the documents were not displayed publicly.
The manuscripts and printed books in this exhibition date from the 9th to the 17th century and many are beautifully illuminated and decorated. The Jews who commissioned manuscripts frequently turned to highly skilled Christian artists for the illustration of the text, and the decorative styles of the works exhibited reflect local cultures and design, whether in the Moorish style of medieval Spain, the Italianate style, or the Gothic style of Northern Europe.
The works attest to a shared culture and display coexistence and social interaction between Jews and their non-Jewish neighbours, as well as enhancing our understanding of the intellectual exchange and transmission of knowledge between Jews, Muslims and Christians.
Rickie Burman, Director of the Jewish Museum, said: “At a time when religious issues are often portrayed as creating division and unrest around the world, this exhibition demonstrates how positive connections can be made between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is a reminder that in many cases our shared experience is stronger than our differences.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, founder of the Faith Foundation said: “What a wonderful idea to bring this material together on this occasion. I do hope it is the successful occasion it deserves to be and another small building block in strengthening Jewish-Catholic relations in this country”.