Understanding the Origins of Bomberg’s Rabbinic Bible

Renowned for its scholarly contributions, ‘The First Edition of the Second Rabbinic Bible or Mikra’ot Gedolot,’ was a monumental achievement in the history of printing and Jewish literature. This work, initiated by the Jewish scholar Jacob ben Hayyim ibn Adonyah and published by the influential Venetian printer Daniel Bomberg in 1517, represents a pivotal moment in the dissemination of Jewish religious texts.

Content and Composition

Bomberg's Rabbinic Bible, otherwise known as the Mikra’ot Gedolot, encompasses a comprehensive array of sacred and scholarly texts. Consisting of the masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Tanakh), masoretic notes, Onkelos’s Aramaic translation, and various rabbinic commentaries including those of Rashi (Rabbi Solomon ben Itshak of Troyes) and Aaron ben Asher (also known as Abraham ibn Ezra), this edition was the first to include the Masorah corpus of rules ensuring the correct pronunciation, reading, and spelling of the scriptural text. Bomberg utilized the best masoretic manuscripts available to him at the time, ensuring the text’s accuracy and reliability.

Why It’s Important

The Second Rabbinic Bible stands out not only for its content but also for its innovative typography and binding. It is celebrated for its exquisitely crafted typesetting and layout, marking a significant milestone in the history of printing. This edition has been deemed an extraordinary achievement of its era, serving as the standard text for nearly all subsequent editions, including the King James Bible. Its importance is underlined by its continued relevance and reference value in contemporary scholarship.

Historical Context and Legacy

Daniel Bomberg, born in Antwerp in 1483 and passing in 1549, was instrumental in shaping the landscape of Hebrew printing. Bomberg, a Christian printer, obtained a papal privilege to publish Hebrew books in Venice in 1516. This privilege enabled him to establish a printing press that employed rabbis, scholars, and conversos, furthering the dissemination of these sacred texts. The legacy of Bomberg’s work extends beyond this single edition; his press published the outstanding first complete edition of the Babylonian Talmud, a foundational text in Jewish literature, in 1520-23.

The British Library holds a full set of the Bomberg Talmud, a testament to the enduring value and scholarly importance of these printed texts. Seven volumes of the Bomberg Talmud have been digitized, making it easily accessible to scholars and enthusiasts around the world. This work not only served the religious and scholarly needs of the Jewish community but also contributed to the broader cultural and intellectual heritage of the Renaissance.

Conclusion

The publication of Bomberg’s Rabbinic Bible or Mikra’ot Gedolot in 1517 represented a significant step in the history of Jewish literature and printing. It remains a crucial resource for scholars and students of Jewish studies, offering a window into the rich tapestry of rabbinic commentary and the Masoretic text. Its legacy continues to influence modern scholarship and the preservation of Jewish textual tradition.