New Hebraica find from the Genizat Tirolensia of Innichen/San-Candido, South Tyrol, Northern Italy

What is it about?

During the restoration of a medieval codex from the collegiate library in Innichen in 2012, two Hebrew fragments were removed from the interior of the book's binding, where they had been used to reinforce the cover. The fragments contain texts from the Hebrew Bible, specifically passages from the books of the 'Prophets,' known as the 'Haftarot,' which are read in Jewish liturgy during the weekly portions (Parshiyot) Pekude, Metzora, and Tazri. The codex, in which the Hebrew fragments are embedded, consists of twelve handwritten medical treatises on lined paper, attributed to William of Saliceto (1210-1277), one of the first surgeons of the time. The codex bears the signature No. 29 viii.c.4 and originates from the extensive library of the physician Nicolaus Pol, who, after his death in 1532, bequeathed his large private book collection to the Innichen monastery.

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Why is it important?

Medieval hebrew manuscripts, Jewish tradition, Jewish liturgy