The Rare Books Collection of the Jewish Public Library

Montreal’s Jewish Public Library collection of rare Judaica dates back to 1481, and its tapestry of 1500 volumes include censored Torah commentaries, the oldest Yiddish Bible, a 19th century edition of the Zohar, ethics manuals for women, and controversial philosophical texts in Hebrew, early Yiddish, Latin and Spanish. Learn about the fascinating history of Hebrew and Yiddish printing, some of Judaism’s earliest authors and oldest texts, and the revealing narratives they hold.

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Public Library (JPL) in Montreal. Generously co-sponsored by the Dr. Michael D. Paul Rare Books Initiative. This virtual event will be recorded.

With Eddie Paul, Senior Director of Library & Learning Services and the special collections staff of the JPL

Eddie Paul oversees collections development, reference services, and education outreach. He developed the Rare Books Initiative in 2014 to mark the JPL’s centennial year. In the spring of that year, he co-curated the exhibit of the rare books “A Roomful of Dwellings”, and two years later, co-curated the exhibit, “Decanting Memory” in collaboration with the Jacob Lowy Collection of Library & Archives Canada. He developed The Dr. Michael D. Paul Rare Books Initiative as a project that combines research and storytelling. These workshops have been given to elementary and secondary schools, universities, colleges, synagogues, churches, seniors and community centres. For more information about the Jewish Public Library (JPL) in Montreal, visit https://jewishpubliclibrary.org.