The Farhi Bible A Sacred Manuscript's Journey Through Seven Centuries

Medieval Origins 1366-1383: The sacred text was meticulously crafted by Elisha Crescas in the scholarly communities of Provence. During this remarkable seventeen-year period, this illuminated manuscript emerged as a testament to medieval Jewish scholarship and artistry, reflecting the rich intellectual tradition of 14th-century France. The Farhi Legacy Unti 1818: For centuries, the precious manuscript was purchased by Haim el muallim Farhi prime minister of Akko , Financial Vizier and de facto ruler of Acco and its region from 1795 To 1818. This period represents the longest continuous ownership in the Bible's documented history, during which it likely served both liturgical and scholarly purposes within the family's religious practices. Political Upheaval and Displacement 1818: Following the tragic execution of Haim Farhi, the manuscript's fate took an unexpected turn. It came into the possession of the British Consul stationed in Damascus, marking the beginning of a century-long separation from its ancestral home. This period reflects the broader political turbulence of the Ottoman Empire and European colonial influence in the Middle East. Legal Disputes and Restitution 19th Century: After being returned to the Farhi family a century later, the Bible became the center of prolonged inheritance disputes. The religious courts (Bet Din) of Palestin devoted decades to resolving the complex legal battles between Haim's brothers and nephews. These proceedings illuminate the intricate intersection of religious law, family obligations, and cultural heritage preservation. The Sassoon Acquisition Early 20th Century: The manuscript found new guardianship when acquired by David Sassoon,a renowned collector and preserver of Jewish cultural artifacts.David Sassoon was a prominent member of the distinguished Sassoon dynasty whose commercial and cultural influence spanned from Baghdad, India, Shanghai, Hong Kong and eventually England. Modern Preservation Present Day: Today, this irreplaceable manuscript rests securely in a climate-controlled bank vault in Zurich (Switzerland). According to David Sassson's will, it will be the last item to be sold from his Judaica collection recently sold by Sotherby's. The Farhi bible was never shown in public since 1910. Its estimated value at auction may be in excess o fUS$ 50 millions.

Pictures from the Farhi Bible Carpet page, J ericho wall, Memorah, Altar.

Two full-page miniatures from the Farhi Bible. The page on the right shows the menorah, the thongs and fire pans. The page on the left depicts the table of showbread, the laver, the altar of burnt offering with its shovel and basin, flesh hooks and fire pans. Letchworth, Sassoon Collection, ms 368, pages 182-183 (10.25 X 8.5 in -26 by 21 cms) Jericho 's Walls This Labyrinth from the Farhi Bible (ca 1325) represents the City of Jericho its seven ring walls and a locked gate. Dieses Labyrinth, aus der Farhi-Bibel (ca. 1325), stellt die Stadt Jerich dar. Ein Ariadnefaden schlängelt sich vom verschlossenen Tor durch sieben Mauerringe zur Stadt Jerichos.