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The Judaeo-Spanish Translations of the Bible [Moshe Lazar]

 File — Box: 23, Folder: 12

Scope and Content

From the Series:

One of Moshe Lazar’s long-time projects was the publishing of critical editions of Spanish and Judeo-Spanish biblical texts, among them The Ladino Pentateuch (1547), La Biblia Ladinada (15th cent.), and La Biblia Alba (The Alba Bible). The original Alba Bible originated in 1422 when a high-ranking Spanish Churchman, Don Luis de Guzmán of Maqueda, persuaded the renowned scholar, Rabbi Moses Arragel de Guadalajara, to translate the Hebrew Bible into Castilian accompanied by an extensive commentary and a wealth of illustrations and illuminations. Guzmán’s intent was to improve Jewish-Christian relations, but Arragel had misgivings about preparing a text that might conflict with Christian doctrine and expose Spanish Jewry to attack. Though he did finally relent and prepare the translation with commentary, the Jewish religion prohibited illuminated manuscripts and so a team of Christian illuminators was commissioned to illustrate the text. The Bible was completed in 1430; however, Guzmán’s original misgivings translated into reality. Relations between Jews and Christians worsened and culminated with the Expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. Guzmán’s Castilian Bible disappeared for almost two hundred years until it was discovered in the Library of the Liria Palace, seat of the Grand Duke of Alba and Berwick, from which it gets its name. This series of 21 folders contains articles and notes regarding the history of the Alba Bible as well as other Spanish/Judeo biblical texts. Several works are the writings of Lazar including articles in English and Spanish on Rabbi Moses Arragel, whom Lazar refers to as a “servant of two masters.”

Dates

  • Creation: 1967 - 2015

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Most of the materials in this collection are in English. However, many articles, notes, and publications are in Spanish, German, Ladino, Hebrew, and other languages. Assistance with the Hebrew language materials was provided by Dr. Yaffa Weisman of Hebrew Union College.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection stored off-site. Advance notice required for access.

Extent

From the Collection: 39.5 Linear Feet (68 boxes)

Repository Details

Part of the USC Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Doheny Memorial Library 206
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles California 90089-0189 United States