The Rabbi and the English Scholar: An Exhibition of Jewish Thought in Renaissance Cambridge at Queens’ Old Library

Tue 16 February 2016 - Thu 24 March 2016

Queens' College Library

This exhibition is part of our Renaissance Queens’ Library Heritage Lottery Fund project, in cooperation with the Cambridge Lehrhaus.

The exhibition highlights the influence of Jewish thought on English scholars of the Renaissance period and after, as witnessed by the rare Renaissance and Early Modern books of Queens’ Old Library. The show focuses on the interest shared by Renaissance Cambridge scholars in the study of Jewish thought and Hebrew, and explores Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Exhibition opens with special reception and talk by Rabbi Reuven Leigh (Cambridge Lehrhaus) on Tuesday 16 February 2016 at 7:00-8:30PM at Queens' College Old Library (All Welcome! No booking required). The Exhibition will then be open to the public on weekdays 1:15-4:30PM from 22 February until 24 March. Entrance for the exhibition during these dates will be via the War Memorial Library.

Entry to Queens' College itself is free to Cambridge residents. Visitors from outside of Cambridge may be charged a £3 standard admission fee to gain entry to the grounds of the College.



About Queens' College Old Library:

Founded in 1448, the Old Library is still situated in its original room with bookcases made from medieval lecterns. Although none of the original collection remains, the library holds a fine and hugely significant collection of c. 20,000 early printed books and manuscripts dating from the 12th to 19th centuries. With many of its books still in their original bindings, Queens’ Old Library is notable for the fact that, of all Oxbridge libraries, it remains closest to its original state. In addition to the medieval lecterns, interesting features of the Library include its 15th-century stained glass windows originating from a Carmelite Friary that was adjacent to the college prior to its suppression in 1537.

Cost: Free, no booking required