By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO–The exact date of the creation of the original Sarajevo Haggadah is not known, nor is its place of origin. However, it surfaced in Barcelona, circa 1350 CE but some historians believe it was brought to Sarajevo by Jews fleeing the Expulsion from Spain in 1492. It is hand written on calfskin and was perhaps a wedding gift to a young couple.
The codex relates the Biblical tale from Genesis to the death of Moses as well as the Order of the Seder. With an insured value of seven million dollars, the original Haggadah is one of the oldest of the Sephardic Haggadah in the world.
A small number of facsimiles of the original Haggadah were published in Sarajevo by Rabic, 2008. They are large coffee table size books and include the beautiful calligraphy and exquisite artwork of the original. The pictures and designs are in brilliant colors using copper and gold. The Hebrew text is translated into English along with interesting notes and descriptions. Also included are the signs of usage which appear in the original: drops of wine, an occasional food stain and some doodling by a child.
Through the centuries the original Haggadah survived wars, chaos, and thievery, as well as the recent fighting in the Balkans. Its location was often unknown and it was rescued and kept safe at least twice by Muslim clerics. Luckily it escaped the Nazis who specifically sought it. Now this magnificent book of spiritual expression and art is in the Sarajevo Museum, where it is treasured and on permanent display.
There are no copies of the Sarajevo Haggadah in the San Diego Public Library. However, there is one copy in the Library of Temple Emanu-El (San Diego). It is for reference only and though it cannot be removed from the Library – it is well worth a visit.
*
Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in arts and literature. Comments may be sent to sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com or posted on this website, per the instructions below.
__________________________________________________________________
Care to comment? We require the following information on any letter for publication: 1) Your full name 2) Your city and state (or country) of residence. Letters lacking such information will be automatically deleted. San Diego Jewish World is intended as a forum for the entire Jewish community, whatever your political leanings. Letters may be posted below provided they are responsive to the article that prompted them, and civil in their tone. Ad hominem attacks against any religion, country, gender, race, sexual orientation, or physical disability will not be considered for publication. There is a limit of one letter per writer on any given day.
__________________________________________________________________