The most expensive Hebrew Bible in the world: a treasure sold for 38 million dollars

To TIBAULT SONGMENE Le May 18 216

FILE PHOTO: The Codex Sassoon, the earliest and most complete Hebrew Bible ever discovered, which is estimated by Sotheby's to sell at auction for between $30 million and $50 million, is presented to the public at Tel Aviv University, in Tel Aviv, Israel March 22, 2023. REUTERS/Nir Elias/File Photo

hebrew bible most expensive in the world: a treasure sold at 38 million dollars

1 The most expensive Hebrew Bible in the world: a treasure sold for 38 million dollars
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The Hebrew Bible, described as a priceless manuscript and over a millennium old, has been auctioned for a record sum of $38,1 million. The sum disbursed represents a record for a manuscript book. This gem was acquired by former American ambassador and philanthropist Alfred Moses and his family to be donated to the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv.

1. The Sassoon Codex

Named after its best-known owner, David Solomon Sassoon (d. 1942), the Sassoon Codex is a manuscript of exceptional value. It is in a remarkable state of preservation, despite the fact that only a few pages are missing.

2. A record auction

The sale of this Bible, dating from the XNUMXth century AD, took place in New York. According to Sotheby's, the final bid was reached after a four-minute battle between two determined buyers.

3. A treasure of Jewish heritage

This Bible connects 24 books of the Hebrew Bible from the famous Dead Sea Scrolls scrolls dating from the 900rd century BCE. It is thought to have been written around the year XNUMX, in Israel or Syria.

4. A mystery of five centuries

This precious manuscript disappeared for about 500 years before reappearing in 1929, when it was offered for sale to David Solomon Sassoon, one of the greatest collectors of Hebrew manuscripts.

5. A gift to the Museum of the Jewish People

After this record sale, the Bible will be offered to the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, where it had been exhibited before the sale.

This sale of the Hebrew Bible, the most expensive in the world, underlines the importance of the cultural and historical heritage represented by these ancient manuscripts. Much more than a simple book, this Bible is a valuable witness to the history of the Jewish people.