SIMS / Herbert D. Katz Center Distinguished Fellowship in Jewish Manuscript Studies
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Dating Saints: A Remarkable Late Medieval Hebrew Compendium of Astronomy and Calendars
Presented by Sacha Stern, University College London, & the 2024-2025 Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies & the Herbert D. Katz Center Distinguished Fellow in Jewish Manuscript Studies
University of Pennsylvania Libraries' manuscript from the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection, LJS 57, written ca. 1361 in Sephardic script is a remarkable compendium of Hebrew astronomical and related scientific works. It includes four astrological works by Abraham ibn Ezra and the astronomical tables of Jacob ben David ben Yom Tov. The longest section of the codex is an impressive, richly illustrated catalog of stars and constellations, demonstrating how medieval sciences could open the door for creative, artistic expression. In the middle of the codex, the scribe presents a Christian liturgical calendar in Hebrew translation, complete with saint days and other liturgical events. This raises the question: why were Jews interested in Christian dates?
To be held in the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books, and Manuscripts, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 6th Floor, and online.
Open to the Public.