The First Complete Hebrew Bible Printed in the United States
In 1814, the first complete Hebrew Bible was printed in the United States in a two-volume edition. It was based on the second edition of an Amsterdam Bible that had been printed by Joseph Athias. The American version, however, does not contain the vowel points that help in reading the text properly. The publication was supported by both Jewish leaders and Christian clergymen who wanted to study the Bible in its original language. This reflected the intellectual side of the country’s religious revival underway at the time. This Bible has been used by several Jewish members of Congress for their Congressional swearing-in ceremonies. Displayed here is the opening page of Bereshit, Genesis.
In 1814, the first complete Hebrew Bible was printed in the United States in a two-volume edition. It was based on the second edition of an Amsterdam Bible that had been printed by Joseph Athias. The American version, however, does not contain the vowel points that help in reading the text properly. The publication was supported by both Jewish leaders and Christian clergymen who wanted to study the Bible in its original language. This reflected the intellectual side of the country’s religious revival underway at the time. This Bible has been used by several Jewish members of Congress for their Congressional swearing-in ceremonies. Displayed here is the opening page of <em>Bereshit</em>, Genesis.