National Library of Israel

New documentary celebrates Yehoram Gaon's life at Docu.Text Festival

Yehoram Gaon, often seen as Israel's national singer, saw his life and accomplishments celebrated during an emotional screening of a new documentary which premiered at the National Library of Israel.

YEHORAM GAON in a screenshot from the film ‘Tonight.’
NAOMI SHEMER’S handwritten lyrics to  ‘Al Kol Aleh.’

National Library gets original lyrics of Naomi Shemer’s 'Al Kol Eleh'

Donald and Abdul

Jerusalem highlights: August 15-21

Some of the 5 million books in the NLI collection.

Secret Garden for All: The magic and accessibility at the National Library of Israel


Oldest known 15th-Century Orit Books of Ethiopian Jewry uncovered by TAU researchers

These sacred texts, written in Ge'ez, a language known only to the Kessim (Ethiopian Jewish priests), hold significant cultural and historical importance.

 The 15th-century sacred books of Ethiopian Jewry from the Faitlovitch Collection at the Sourasky Central Library, TAU.

Discovering layers of US Jewish history at the National Library of Israel

This time, my inquiry centers on uncovering the lesser-known stories of American Jewry – and of America itself – found within the library’s vast collections.

 The ‘George Washington Seder,’ April 19, 1889.

Max Brod: The forgotten music of the man who saved Kafka's works at National Library

The recent depositing of Max Brod’s estate at the National Library offers a crucial opportunity to reexamine his musical contributions.

 Max Brod

14th century Shem Tov Bible comes home to Jerusalem

The Shem Tov Bible, a stunning 14th-century manuscript created by the renowned kabbalist Rabbi Shem Tov ben Abraham Ibn Gaon, will be displayed in the National Library of Israel.

 Presentation of the Shem Tov Bible at the National Library of Israel.

New library, new hope: Scholars, tourists, and refuge at the National Library after Oct. 7

The war is never far from the sight and minds of visitors and staff, but the quiet exhibition dedicated to the hostages gives contemplative and heart space to mourn. 

 The National Library of Israel

'Holding Liat': Docaviv Film Festival to open with hostage documentary

The festival will include premiere screenings of over 100 documentary films from Israel and abroad, including 36 new Israeli films.

 Berlinale Best Documentary award winner ‘Holding Liat’ opens this year’s festival.

‘Kafka’s Last Trial’ doc. tells the story of a literary legal battle 

It’s fitting that this movie is being released now, just after the centenary of Kafka’s death was marked, and as an exhibit is running at the National Library of Israel.

 A SHOT from ‘Kafka’s Last Trial,’ being screened Saturday night.

Israel Post celebrates National Library with new stamps

The NLI launched a renewal project that concluded at the end of October 2023, when the new building opened to the public.

 Oren Weinberg, CEO of the National Library of Israel with David Laron, CEO of Israel Post.

NLI commemorates centenary of Franz Kafka’s death

While Kafka (1883-1924) passed away June 3, the exhibition opened six months later – delayed by the war in Gaza and Lebanon.

 A poster from the Kafka exhibition at the National Library of Israel in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem highlights: January 3-9

What's new to do in Israel's capital?

 ‘Oh, My Electric Eye’

Hanukkah: The history of the menorah and hanukkiah seen in ancient manuscripts

The tradition of building up to lighting eight oil lamps (plus one shamash, or servitor) over the Hanukkah period began in the 2nd century CE.

 ‘MISHNEH TORAH’ from 1470 contains a copy of a drawing by the Rambam of a menorah with straight branches.