EXHIBITION of BOOK OF ESTHER MANUSCRIPTS FROM EAST TO WEST
1-2. Esther with marginal correction
MS. Bodley Or. 46, fol. 129a, 129b
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Date:1201 – 1225
3. Esther with illuminated first word
MS. Archive Selden A. sup. 106, folio 11b
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Description: Hebrew Bible: Ecclesiastes, Esther (up to chapter 3) have both Masorahs and Hafṭarot
Date: 1301 – 1325
4. Scroll of Esther with illumination
MS. Laud. Or. Rolls d. 1
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
5. Agadeta d’Megilta (Midrash Ben Gorion) – Ancient Midrash on Esther
MS. Michael 577, folio 115b
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Title: Agadeta d’Megilta.
Also known as Midrash Abba Gorion (Yalkut Shimoni by R.Shimon of Frankfurt, 13thcentury); Midrash Megilah (Hamburg MS) or Aggadat Megillat Esther (Rashi on I Kings 10:19).
Description: Ancient Midrash on Esther
Author: Abba Gorion of Sidon (2nd century)
6. Rashi commentary on Esther (chapter 1:1-19)
MS. Michael 289, folio 171b
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Author: Rabbi Shlomo Yitchaki, Rashi (1040-1105)
Date: 1329
7. Mishneh Torah – Laws of Megillah
MS. Oppenheimer 77, folio 163a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Author: Maimonides (1135-1204)
Display: Laws of Megillah and Chanukah with glosses, known as Hagahot Maimoniyot, published in all editions of Mishneh Torah after 1509 (Constantinople), authored by Rabbi Meir ha-Kohen of Rothenburg (end of the 13th century), distinguished pupil of Rabbi Meir ben Baruch of Rothenburg.
Date: 14th century
8. Mishneh Torah – Laws of Megillah
MS. Pococke 307 Fol. 215a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Author: Maimonides (1135-1204)
Date: 1301 - 1400
9. Etz Chaim – 13th century English code of Jewish law – Laws of Megillah
University of Liepzig Library
Author: Rabbi Jacob ben Judah Chazan of London
Date: written in 1287
Description: Code of Jewish Law, written before the expulsion of the Jews of England in 1290, reflecting the custom of the Jews of England. Written in two parts, containing 646 sections respectively, covering the full spectrum of Jewish law, based largely on the laws of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah, while incorporating also laws from contemporary French and English rabbis, including Moses of Oxford/London.
Display: Laws of Purim, underlined that Purim feast may not be conducted at night time.
10. Glile Kesef (Scrolls of Silver) – commentary on Esther
MS. Oppenheimer 211, folio 26a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Author: Rabbi Joseph ben Abba Mari Kaspi (1280-1340)
Display: Commentary on Esther
11. Commentary on Esther by Gersonides, Rabbi Levi ben Gershon
MS. Michael 289, folio 106b
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Title: Ahasuerus, Levi ben Gershon
Author: Rabbi Levi Ben Gershon, known as Gersonides (1288–1344)
12. Commentary on Esther by Isaac Aramah, Isaac ben Joseph Hakohen and Abraham Sabeh
MS. Oppenheimer Add, 4o 106, folio 157a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Authors: Isaac Aramah, Isaac ben Joseph Hakohen and Abraham Sabeh
Display: Isaac Aramah commentary on Esther, Safek 1
Date: 15-16th century
13. Commentary on Esther by Isaac Aramah, Isaac ben Joseph Hakohen and Abraham Sabeh
MS. Oppenheimer Add, 4o 106, folio 141a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Authors: Isaac Aramah, Isaac ben Joseph Hakohen and Abraham Sabeh
Date: 15-16th century
14. Commentary on Esther by Isaac Aramah, Isaac ben Joseph Hakohen and Abraham Sabeh with verse highlighted
MS. Oppenheimer Add, 4o 106, folio 141a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Authors: Isaac Aramah, Isaac ben Joseph Hakohen and Abraham Sabeh
Date: 15-16th century
15. Machzor Vitry - Liturgy of Purim
MS. Oppenheimer 59, folio 81
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Author: Rabbi Simcha of Vitry (d. 1105) with marginal annotations by Eleazar ben Judah Rokeach (c. 1176 – 1238)
Description: Compendium of Jewish law and liturgy
Display: Liturgy of Purim ‘Al Hanisim’ etc.
16. Commentary on Esther - Anonymous
MS. Oppenheimer ADD, 4o 52, fol. 133a
The Bodleian Libraries, The University of Oxford
Author: Anonymous – caption states ‘not Rashi’