The Bird's Head Haggada of the Bezalel National Art Museum in Jerusalem
Publication: 1965
The Bird’s Head manuscript, the earliest surviving illustrated Ashkenazi Haggada, is named for the figures drawn with birds' heads on human forms. These composite creatures are most probably griffins. Many scholars believe the use of imaginary creatures is a concession to a rabbinic prohibition against Jewish image making. The conical "Jewish hat” worn by adult males was mandatory attire for German Jews in the Middle Ages.
Title
The Bird's Head Haggada of the Bezalel National Art Museum in Jerusalem
Hagadat rashe ha-tsiporim shel Bet ha-Nekhot ha-Le’umi le-’Omanut Betsal’el, Yerushalayim
Date
Publication: 1965
Subject
Description
The Bird’s Head manuscript, the earliest surviving illustrated Ashkenazi Haggada, is named for the figures drawn with birds' heads on human forms. These composite creatures are most probably griffins. Many scholars believe the use of imaginary creatures is a concession to a rabbinic prohibition against Jewish image making. The conical "Jewish hat” worn by adult males was mandatory attire for German Jews in the Middle Ages.
Rights
Copyright; use considered fair according to the ARL Code of Best Practices in Fair Use
Format
Books
Source
Memorabilia Collection, BM675 .P4 J4
Files
Collection
Citation
“The Bird's Head Haggada of the Bezalel National Art Museum in Jerusalem,” Gallery, accessed August 5, 2026, https://gallery.library.vanderbilt.edu/items/show/855.