Through rarely-seen treasures from as far back as the 10th century, this exhibition takes you from Europe and North Africa, through to the Middle East and China to explore the relationships between Jews and their neighbours in the communities that they lived in.

How much knowledge and culture was exchanged between these groups? Fascinating works displayed on music, science and philosophy by famous Jewish scholars suggest there was more than we might think.

Witness both the high points and the lows of these relationships. An Italian rabbi’s reply to Henry VIII, who sought advice on divorcing his first wife. A 13th-century Anglo-Jewish charter showing the passing of property between people of different faiths. And the signs of conflict as we encounter Christian censorship in Jewish texts.

Along the way, meet the sages versed in magic, Kabbalah and alchemy, and even learn a love potion or two, as we discover the power of the written word.

Generously supported by the Dr Michael and Anna Brynberg Charitable Foundation.

With thanks to the Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, the Shoresh Charitable Trust, and The David Pearlman Charitable Foundation. 

The exhibition may be over but you can still go on our virtual tour to get a closer look at the books, manuscripts, diagrams and spells that featured in Hebrew Manuscripts. An audio description tour is also available.

Planning your visit

All tickets must be pre-booked at the moment. Please remember to keep a safe distance from other visitors, and you must wear a face covering at all times. 

We’re continuing to follow government guidance to keep everyone safe. Find out how we’re welcoming you to the Library safely.

If you can’t attend, we’ll reschedule your visit

In the event of future closures or if you need to cancel your visit due to COVID-19, we’ll offer you alternative dates if available or a full refund. If you feel unwell, or anyone in your household is showing symptoms of COVID-19, please don’t come to the Library, and reschedule your visit by emailing boxoffice@bl.uk.

Accessibility

To reduce contact in our galleries, physical copies of large print guides won’t be available. You can still view a digital copy of the Hebrew Manuscripts large print guide that you can look at on a smartphone or tablet, or print out before your visit.

Data Protection and Track & Trace

In addition to collecting contact details as part of our normal booking process, we will also be recording the times that users enter and leave our premises in order to reduce the risk of a local outbreak of coronavirus.

In line with guidance issued by the Department for Health and Social Care, we will keep these details for 21 days. We will share your contact details with Test and Trace personnel, if asked, in the event of a fellow user or staff member testing positive for coronavirus.

Your data will be kept secure and handled in line with ethical standards and the Data Protection Act at every stage of the process – from its collection and storage by us to its transfer and use by NHS Test and Trace. NHS Test and Trace will handle all data according to the highest ethical and security standards and it will be used only for NHS care, management, evaluation and research.

The Library’s Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Image: A series of calendrical and astronomical tables, 15th century (Or 11796)