Free e-cards from the British Library

Jewish New Year

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Friday 28 September 2011 (sundown) marks the start of Rosh ha-shanah, the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year celebrates the creation of the first humans, Adam and Eve, and the creation of the world. It is customary to dip apples in honey and wish for a 'happy and sweet' year ahead.

The three images here all come from manuscripts in the British Library.

The Duke of Sussex, Book of Numbers illustration: The four soldiers in booths hold standards with devices traditionally associated with the leading tribes: Judah (a lion), Ephraim (a bull), Dan (a serpent) and Reuben (an eagle).

Book of Ruth illustration: harvesting scene featuring Ruth, Boaz and threshers. Humans with animal faces can often be found in Hebrew medieval manuscripts from Ashkenaz (mostly Germany). The practice of distorting the human face could have been associated with the traditional prohibition against figurative art.

Golden Haggadah illustration: the creation of Eve (right); Adam and Eve and the Tree of Knowledge (left). You can turn the pages of the Golden Haggadah and other wonderful books on your screen now!