Library of Congress Exhibits Rare Editions of Rambam Works

In commemoration of the 800th birthday of Moses ben Maimon, better known as Maimonides or the Rambam, one of the greatest sages and philosophers of the Jewish people, the Library of Congress has set up an exhibit featuring the writings of this great scholar.

Arranged under the direction of Dr. Israel Schapiro, chief of the Semitic division of the Library of Congress, the exhibit is said to be the most representative collection extant of early and rare editions of Maimonides’ works. In addition, the exhibit includes valuable editions of early writers who in their work referred to Maimonides’ philosophical and religious views.

The exhibit in the Library of Congress occupies several immense cases and is located on the second floor of the main hall, near the shrine of the Declaration of Independence. Among the distinguished visitors to view the display was the Spanish Ambassador.

Maimonides was born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135, and before his death in 1204, succeeded in becoming one of the greatest Jewish philosophers, the compiler of the most comprehensive and logically arranged code of Jewish law, one of the earliest and most lucid commentators or the Mishna, a renowned practicing physician, and an author of medical treatises of historic importance. This range of writing is well represented in the Library of Congress exhibit. Among the outstanding are his “Commentary on the Mishna,” the “Mishna Torah” (the Code), the “Moreh Nevuchim” (Guide for the Perplexed), “Responsa,” and several important documents on medical subjects. Some of his works are in Arabic and others in Hebrew. Numerous translations in many other languages are included in the exhibit.

In setting up the display, the Library of Congress has joined in a world-wide celebration of the octocentennial anniversary of Maimonides. Officially, the observance is to start from March 30 and extend to the eve of Passover, April 17.