Page 32 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition
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A NEW JERUSALEM ICON
THE NATIONAL LIBRARY O
A “well of knowledge” for
the history and culture
of israel and the jewish
people, set within a
modern architectural gem
Discover the National Library The Stewart and Lynda Resnick Entrance Plaza. Photo: Aviad Bar Ness
of Israel (NLI), a venerated
133-year-old institution, and Museum, and the Supreme Court of Israel, and Michal Rovner. And don't miss Micha
Jerusalem’s newest must-see this architectural masterpiece is a beacon of Ullman’s striking Letters of Light sculpture
destination. The Library is a national pride. that welcomes visitors at the entrance to the
dynamic hub of culture and history that Library campus.
captures the essence of Jewish heritage and The magnificent permanent exhibition
the rich diversity of Israel, offering a unique gallery showcases a selection of rare books, Letters of Light is anchored in the deep and
journey through the past and present of ancient manuscripts, historical posters, ancient layers of Jewish tradition and the
the Jewish people, Israel, and the broader and personal archives of outstanding Hebrew language, while also drawing on
region. historical, cultural, and literary figures. The other cultures and on the essence of the
permanent exhibition, "A Treasury of Words," invention of the alphabet. Letters of Light
You are invited to explore NLI’s five core demonstrates how text has the power to centers on the letters of the Hebrew alphabet
collections: Israel, Judaica, Islam & the change the world, formulate ideas and hewn in stone, and the Hebrew "Alef," the
Middle East, Humanities, and Music. The move them forward, and define, sometimes Latin "A," and Arabic "Alif" projected through
Library boasts the world’s largest collections even create, a place, community, and nation, openings into an underground chamber,
of Judaica, Jewish and Israeli music, and as well as express the spirit and talent of with light and shade responding to the ever-
historical maps of Jerusalem and the Holy thinkers, writers, and key cultural figures. changing angle of the sun’s rays. It dialogues
Land, alongside exceptional collections of with another renowned Ullman installation,
manuscripts, rare books, photographs, and The rotating exhibition gallery hosts a range the Bibliotek memorial on Bebelplatz square
much more. of special exhibitions that change every few in Berlin, where the Nazi book burnings
months. Currently on display through June began in 1933.
Other rare treasures range from texts 2025 is “Kafka: Metamorphosis of an Author,”
handwritten by personages like Maimonides presenting an exceptional collection of Another must-see is the Main Automated
and Sir Isaac Newton to beautifully preserved original Kafka manuscripts, Hebrew exercise Stacks, an“infinite library”located five stories
Islamic manuscripts dating back to the ninth books, drawings, letters, and papers. underground that safeguards treasures
century. Dive into the personal archives of valuable to Israel and Jewish people
luminaries like Martin Buber, Franz Kafka, Following the Kafka show will be an worldwide. This robotic warehouse employs
Natan Sharansky, and Naomi Shemer. exhibition showcasing the beauty and variety a specialized oxygen reduction system that
of the flora of the land of Israel, from antique preventatively inhibits fire, preserving over
A tour of the National Library of Israel is albums of pressed flowers sold as souvenirs four million books, archives, and other items
more than just a visit; it's an experience. for travelers on a pilgrimage to the Holy in optimal conditions for the enrichment of
Wander through the stunning new building Land, to documentation of the history and future generations.
that now joins the list of Jerusalem’s most development of nature conservation and
iconic landmarks. Designed by award- preservation in modern-day Israel. The National Library of Israel is also a hub of
winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, and activity. There are fascinating lectures at the
positioned adjacent to the Knesset, Israel As you explore the Library, you'll also encounter seminar center (including in English), plus
significant contemporary artworks, including events such as a summer concert series and
pieces by leading artists like Edmund de Waal an annual documentary film festival.
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