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The cultural heritage of Catalan judaism

In medieval times the representative figures of Catalan Judaism were prominent in the production of scientific, literary and philosophical works. The extended panel which presides over the room is a homage to these many illustrious names. Outstanding among them was Mossé ben Nahman, the "Master of Girona". The most lucid figure to emerge from Girona's Jewish community in medieval times, a special area is dedicated to him so as to highlight the quality and reputation of his work and his personal journey from Girona to Israel.

Outstanding items

Seal of Mossé ben Nahman

13th century, Catalonia (a copy of the original in the Israel Museum). An archaeological dig in 1970 near Akko in Israel unearthed the bronze seal used to sign letters and documents by the most important figure to emerge from Girona's Jewish society, Master Mossé ben Nahman, or Nahmanides. The seal bears the inscription in Hebrew: "Mossé, son of Rabbi Nahman, of Girona, have courage!"

Torat ha-Adam

Ink on paper, leather binding. Venice, 1595 (donated by Rabbi M. Sérels). The work known as Torat ha-Adam (The Law of Man) is among the most representative of the writings of Mossé ben Nahman. In it the great Jewish philosopher of Girona establishes a code of morality and behaviour for the rituals of death and mourning. This volume is a first edition in Hebrew produced in Venice three hundred years after the author's death.

Thematic Areas