Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Haggadah Bought for Small Sum Now Worth $60,000

December 11, 1936
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Sarajevo Haggadah, a book brought to Jugoslavia 500 years ago by a Spanish Jewish family, is now considered to be worth about $60,000. The Sarajevo Museum bought it in 1894 for a small sum.

The profusely-illustrated volume, said to be the finest Haggadah in the world, was sold to the museum by the family when they were in financial difficulties. It has been made the subject of several scientific works.

The Haggadah, it is claimed, surpasses all others in completeness of text and wealth of illustrations. It has 62 pictures of scenes from the Old Testament and is written by hand on the finest Italian parchment. (Haggadah, literally, to narrate, is the term generally applied to the story of Passover.)

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement