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Tel Aviv's Anu-Museum has become the new home for the Codex Sassoon, the oldest complete Hebrew Bible, unveiled to coincide with Shavuot celebrations. Ambassador Alfred Moses purchased and donated the manuscript, marking it as a gift belonging to the Jewish people and Israel's historical heart. Emotional highlights included Agam Berger's poignant reunion with her mother, symbolizing resilience and cultural continuity. The event aligned seamlessly with Shavuot, emphasizing tradition, identity, and the unifying foundations of Jewish life.

Key Points: Codex Sassoon Unveiled in Tel Aviv's Anu-Museum

  • Codex Sassoon, oldest complete Hebrew Bible, unveiled in Tel Aviv
  • Purchased for $38.1 million, now in Anu-Museum
  • Marks historical continuity, ties to Jewish identity
3 min read

World's oldest complete bible goes on display in Tel Aviv

The world's oldest complete Bible, Codex Sassoon, debuts at Anu-Museum, marking historical continuity.

"This Bible belongs to the Jewish people. - Alfred Moses"

Tel Aviv, May 29

In a moving event marking both historical continuity and personal resilience, the Anu-Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv celebrated the permanent installation of the Codex Sassoon, the world's oldest complete Bible, on Thursday, ahead of the upcoming Shavuot holiday.

The 1,100-year-old manuscript, purchased for USD 38.1 million at Sotheby's in New York, was donated by Ambassador Alfred Moses, who designated the Anu-Museum as its home. Although Moses could not attend the event, the audience stood in applause to honor his gift. "This Bible belongs to the Jewish people," he said in a message read aloud at the event. "It is fitting that it be displayed in Israel, the heart of Jewish history and identity."

The Codex Sassoon is the oldest known nearly complete Hebrew Bible. It dates back to circa 900 CE, making it over 1,100 years old. The text includes all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible written in Biblical Hebrew on parchment, using a proto-Masoretic text -- the authoritative version of the Bible preserved by Jewish scribes.

Unlike the older, more fragmentary Dead Sea Scrolls, the Codex Sassoon contains virtually all of Scripture.

The Codex was part of the private collection of David Solomon Sassoon (1880-1942), a bibliophile and descendant of a prominent Iraqi-Jewish family. The manuscript was sold at Sotheby's in New York for USD 38.1 million in May 2023, becoming the most expensive Jewish manuscript ever sold and one of the most valuable historical documents of any kind.

One of the most emotional moments came with the appearance of Agam Berger, a 21-year-old survivor of Hamas captivity, and her mother, Merav. Last summer, while Agam was still held hostage, a birthday event was held for her in the same hall. By chance, Agam saw a recording of her mother's blessing from that event while in Gaza. "It gave me strength when I needed it most," Agam said.

Merav reflected, "For us, the Codex symbolizes life. This is the closing of a circle."

The event, held in partnership with Mifal HaPais, featured short lectures on the Bible's cultural impact, personal significance, and role as a unifying foundation of Jewish life. In a recorded message, President Isaac Herzog called the Codex "a bridge between generations and a light for the future." Other notable speakers included Israeli media personalities Kobi Arieli, Natalie Marcus, and Yair Sharki.

The Codex Sassoon is now on permanent display for the public.

Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The holiday begins at sundown on Sunday. (ANI/TPS)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Fascinating to see such an ancient manuscript preserved so well! India also has many ancient scriptures like the Vedas that have been passed down orally for generations. Would love to see more cultural exchanges between our countries showcasing these treasures. 🙏
P
Priya M.
The story of Agam Berger is truly moving. While the Bible is important, it's the human stories like hers that remind us of our shared humanity across borders. Hope this exhibition brings people together.
A
Amit S.
$38 million seems like a huge amount for a manuscript when there are so many people in need. I respect the cultural significance but wonder if such money could be better spent elsewhere. Just my two paise.
N
Neha P.
As someone who studied ancient texts, this is incredible! The preservation techniques used by Jewish scribes remind me of how our palm leaf manuscripts were maintained. Would be great if Israel and India could collaborate on conservation projects.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how this connects to the Shavuot holiday. In India, we have similar traditions where scriptures are celebrated during festivals like Guru Purnima. The universal human need to preserve and honor wisdom is beautiful to see.
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Sunita R.
The Iraqi-Jewish connection caught my attention. India too has a rich history of Jewish communities, especially in places like Kochi. These cultural ties deserve more recognition in our history books. More power to such exhibitions that keep heritage alive!

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