The Institute for Hebrew Bible Manuscript Research Recovers Lost Text from Oldest, Most Complete Hebrew Bible for Sale at Sotheby’s Auction

The 1,100-year-old Sassoon Codex, the oldest and most complete Hebrew Bible in private hands, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's on May 17, 2023. The codex, which originally contained all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible with vowels and accents, is expected to fetch between $30 million and $50 million, potentially making it the most expensive book ever sold. Dr. Nehemia Gordon, executive director of the Institute for Hebrew Bible Manuscript Research, played a crucial role in uncovering hidden text in the codex, using special techniques and creating a high-resolution photo index. The Sassoon Codex is one of six key manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible and is considered important for reconstructing the "Masoretic Text." Scholars believe it is based directly on the Aleppo Codex, the most accurate surviving manuscript of the Hebrew Bible. The auction of the Sassoon Codex presents a unique opportunity as it is the only one of the key manuscripts in private hands. Dr. Gordon's research and collaborations have contributed significantly to the understanding and preservation of ancient manuscripts, including the Sassoon Codex.