Abstract Erna Michel Haggadah (here forward E.M.H) was mostly written, probably, in the first quarter of the 15th Century and the last quire in the middle of the 15th century. The haggadah was written by one scriber, even though there is...
moreAbstract
Erna Michel Haggadah (here forward E.M.H) was mostly written, probably, in the first quarter of the 15th Century and the last quire in the middle of the 15th century. The haggadah was written by one scriber, even though there is difference in time between the first and second part, who also determined the decoration program. There are a few illuminators and the scriber is probably one of them.
This research shows that E.M.H. was created in Bohemia or a reign influenced by the 'beautiful Style' in the beginning of the 15th century. The Ashkenazi influence is also recognized from the codicology, paleography, text and customs.
E.M.H. represent the attitude of Ashkenazi jews treats customs and text. On one hand they follow the traditions of their time and on the other hand they add customs that are unique to their congregation. The scriber uses for the text of the haggadah the versions from Mishna, Talmud and antiquity writings. Only in the last quire the taxes appears for the first time in the 15th centuries Haggadot.
The scriber approach toward customs is different then that of the text. He brings customs that are accepted in his own time. Rarely he writes new and old customs together. Customs appears as part of the text, border decoration or full-page illustrations as an writen instruction. In the last quire words in Yiddish and Italian (Hebrew letters) suggest contact with north Italy, a subject that is beyond the scope of this research.
The decoration program- initial word panels, border and full- page illustration, shows influence of the 'beautiful Style especially in border and full-page illustration. Another influence is jewish manuscripts, especially ones that where made in Constant lake, that influenced the composition of Hebrides in the initial word panels.