# Hebrew Treasures from the Library of Congress

The Hebrew treasures at the Library of Congress spring richly to life in “Books like Sapphires,” a new book by Ann Brener, former Hebraic Specialist at the Library of Congress. In addition to such special treasures as the renowned Washington Haggadah, Ann opens the pages of rare books and manuscripts to share a wide range of lesser known gems from the Library’s collections: Hebrew poems celebrating an empress’ recovery from smallpox; a unique manuscript attesting to a betrothal scandal in 16th-century Crete; early illustrated children’s books from revolution-torn Moscow; and many more. During her presentation, the author will trace the beginning of her work at the Library of Congress and focus on some of these lesser known treasures, among them an illustrated Esther Scroll from the 18th-century; a synagogue dedication that finds a way not to bless the Tzar; and, from Baroque Italy, a really charming Hebrew play (with speaking Talmudic treatises!) that appears to be one of the very first Hebrew plays ever written. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Lilly Endowment Inc.

- Kind: Talk
- Year: 2025
- Runtime: 28 min
- By: Horowitz, Sharon
- Archive: [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/video-10648/)
- Licence or status: Rights statement at the Library of Congress (as the archive states it)
- Credit: Library of Congress
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/loc/video-10648?play=1)