This unique manuscript, known as the Tanakh Shem Tov, sold for $6.9 million. Written around 1312 in the Kingdom of Castile (present-day Spain), the Tanakh is one of the most accurate hand-made copies of the Hebrew Scriptures. More than 20 years ago, it was purchased by banker Jacqui Safra for $825,000, making it a very profitable auction sale.
Ynet writes about this.
This Tanakh was created by the famous Rabbi Shem Tov ben Avraham ibn Gaon and during its 700 years it traveled to many countries, including the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This valuable relic was first acquired at auction in 1909 by collector David Solomon Sassoon, after which it became part of his collection. It subsequently passed into the hands of the Safra family in 1994, when it was acquired at the same Sotheby’s auction. The sale marks the second major transaction involving the Safra family in the world of historical manuscripts, having previously sold the Sassoon Codex in 2023 for a record $38.1 million.
The latest auction attracted the attention of at least three bidders, leading to an intense battle for the manuscript that eventually sold to an anonymous buyer for $6.9 million, including commissions.
The Safra family, with Syrian roots, built its wealth and influence in Lebanon, where Jacob Safra founded the first bank in 1920. Today, its banking interests span global markets, including the United States and Europe. At one time, brothers Joseph and Moses Safra controlled Israel’s First International Bank and also invested in several large Israeli companies, including Cellcom and the Carmelton Group. Despite its close ties to Israel, the family has long sought to remain in the shadows so as not to jeopardize its business relationships in the Arab world. However, the sale of Tanach to Shem Tov highlights a gradual shift in its approach to advertising and cultural heritage.
Experts say that this Tanakh is not only of financial value, but also of enormous cultural and historical value. It was created during the Spanish Golden Age, when Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together in peace and cooperation, which is reflected in its decoration. Its illustrations include horseshoe arches, symbolizing Islamic influence, as well as an Ouroboros snake, symbolizing mystical motifs.
The special significance of this Tanakh lies in its connection to the Code of Hillel, an early and accurate source of Jewish scripture created in the 7th century. Rabbi Shem Tov carefully followed this code in writing his version of the Scriptures, which greatly increases its scientific and historical value.
This remarkable manuscript has long been in major collections and has been exhibited in prestigious exhibitions in countries such as Amsterdam, Berlin and New York, representing an important artifact of Jewish heritage.
Previously, Cursor talked about how our lives would change if there was no religion in the world.
