The Rediscovery of Izmir’s Rabbinic Library: A Testament to Sephardic Legacy

Newly catalogued archives of the Jewish Community of Izmir, Turkey

On December 17, 2024, an invaluable treasure of Jewish heritage was unveiled in Izmir. The Rabbinic Library of Izmir, housed in a dedicated room within the Karatash Jewish Hospital, officially opened its doors, revealing a collection of more than 1,700 books printed between the 17th and 20th centuries. This remarkable repository, containing rare manuscripts and handwritten notes from the revered rabbis of Izmir, stands as a testament to the city’s historical prominence as an intellectual and religious hub of the Sephardic world.

At the heart of this extraordinary revival is Donna Dina Eliezer, a Jewish educator from Philadelphia, whose deep roots in Izmir and unwavering dedication led to the salvaging and restoration of this forgotten collection. Born in Izmir to a family that later immigrated to Israel, she grew up immersed in the culture and traditions of her ancestors. Although she eventually settled in the United States, her ties to Izmir remained strong. When an unexpected opportunity arose in 1999 to assist the Jewish community in revitalizing its educational programs, she embraced the chance to reconnect with her heritage.

During her visit that year, Eliezer was introduced to the decaying remnants of the Hahamhane (Rabbinate) library. Hidden behind a heavy door in an abandoned building, the books lay in a state of heartbreaking neglect—water-damaged, covered in dust, and forgotten by time. Shocked by the sight, she exclaimed, “This is the treasure of your community. These are your rabbis’ works. And look, you are killing them.” Recognizing the historical and religious significance of the collection, she resolved to save it.

The dilapidated building that once housed the Chief Rabbinate of Izmir, Turkey

Her initial efforts involved relocating the books to a safer environment within the Karatash Jewish Hospital. Over the next several summers, she meticulously cataloged the collection, deciphering publication dates using Gematria, as many of the books bore only biblical references instead of standard year notations. The collection included works by luminaries such as Rabbi Yossef Escapa, Rabbis Hayim, Avraham, and Itshak Palagi, Rabbi Moshe Benveniste, and Rabbi Eliyahu Hazan. These books spanned responsa literature, sermons, religious law, and Ladino novels, reflecting the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of Izmir’s Jewish community.

One of the library’s most astonishing discoveries was the abundance of marginalia—handwritten notes in the books’ margins penned by Izmir’s rabbinic scholars. Many of these notes, written in Solitreo (a cursive Hebrew script used by Sephardic Jews), provided unique insights into rabbinic discourse and legal interpretations. Determined to bring this treasure to academic focus, Eliezer initiated a documentation project, enlisting volunteers and a professional photographer to photograph over 630 instances of marginalia. Thanks to the support of the Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe and the Kiriati Foundation, these handwritten annotations have been digitized and are now part of the National Library of Israel’s KTIV manuscript collection.

The rediscovery of the library was not without its challenges. Over the years, leadership changes within the community led to lapses in security, and some books were lost. When the hospital was leased to another institution, the library room was repurposed as a storage space, further endangering the collection. However, in 2022, Eliezer advocated for a renewed commitment to preservation. With the community’s leadership support, the space was cleared, a new cataloging system was implemented, and state-of-the-art security measures—including cameras and restricted access—were introduced to safeguard the books.

18th century copy of Seder Eliyahu Rabah veZodah in Ladino and Hebrew restored from the Jewish Community of Izmir archive.

The newly organized library is now accessible to scholars and researchers. A detailed catalog allows visitors to navigate its extensive holdings, categorized into sections such as marginalia, rabbinic works, Ladino literature, prayer books, historical newspapers, and even handwritten booklets for meldados (memorial prayers). Some volumes bear the names of the city’s prominent Jewish families, offering a glimpse into Izmir’s genealogical history. Hidden among the pages, unexpected artifacts were found—a ketubah, invitations to Jewish congresses, and personal dedications from revered rabbis. Each discovery adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the community’s past.

Izmir was once a major center of Jewish learning, home to influential printing houses that produced first-edition texts and shaped the religious landscape of Sephardic Jewry. This library serves as a bridge between past and present, preserving the wisdom of sages whose rulings and teachings continue to guide Sephardic communities today. As Rabbi Hayim Palachi once wrote, “El ke se olvida de su istoria, se olvida de si mismo.” (“He who forgets his history forgets himself.”) Thanks to Eliezer’s dedication and the unwavering support of the Izmir Jewish community, the city’s rabbinic legacy will not be forgotten.

Looking ahead, Eliezer envisions the library as a hub for academic study, inviting researchers from around the world to explore its treasures. Her recent presentation at Bar-Ilan University generated significant interest, underscoring the need for greater scholarly engagement with Izmir’s Jewish heritage. Though she now steps into an advisory role, she remains committed to ensuring the library’s ongoing preservation and accessibility.

The opening of the Rabbinic Library of Izmir is not merely the restoration of old books; it is the revival of a legacy. It is a reminder that history, when cherished and preserved, continues to illuminate the path forward. “Esta es nuestra erensya, i no tenemos ke deskuydarla” (“This is our heritage, and we must not neglect it”). With this renewed commitment, Izmir’s Jewish community honors its ancestors and secures its place in the annals of Jewish history.