The Agadá of Bordeaux
(English Translation)
| agada_bordeaux__english_version__.pdf |
The Bordeaux Agadá, produced in 1813, is the first—and the only—known illuminated manuscript Agadá created in nineteenth-century France. Produced within the Portuguese Jewish community of Bordeaux, it reflects the revival of Jewish cultural and religious life in France following emancipation in the late eighteenth century.
Both a ritual text for Passover and a commemorative family object, the Bordeaux Agadá stands today as a rare example of Jewish manuscript art produced in France during the Napoleonic Era. Its artistic composition reflects the Neo-classical Empire style of the period, combining traditional Hebrew liturgy with early nineteenth-century French translation and illustration.
This facsimile edition includes two large maps printed in 1813: one of the Holy Land and another of the Holy City of Jerusalem. The Agadá also reflects the affluence and social position of the Portuguese Jews of France in the nineteenth century. The Portuguese Jewish community of Bordeaux had been established soon after the expulsions from Spain and Portugal at the end of the fifteenth century, where it became well-established and prosperous.
This material brings the richness of our traditions and historical documents to life for today’s families. Translated by volunteers from Portuguese esnogas in France, Italy, the U.S., Brazil, and Holland, these translations are continually being refined to improve clarity and language, reflecting our ongoing effort to make our heritage accessible. This non-commercial project supports the preservation and transmission of our shared traditions.
Both a ritual text for Passover and a commemorative family object, the Bordeaux Agadá stands today as a rare example of Jewish manuscript art produced in France during the Napoleonic Era. Its artistic composition reflects the Neo-classical Empire style of the period, combining traditional Hebrew liturgy with early nineteenth-century French translation and illustration.
This facsimile edition includes two large maps printed in 1813: one of the Holy Land and another of the Holy City of Jerusalem. The Agadá also reflects the affluence and social position of the Portuguese Jews of France in the nineteenth century. The Portuguese Jewish community of Bordeaux had been established soon after the expulsions from Spain and Portugal at the end of the fifteenth century, where it became well-established and prosperous.
This material brings the richness of our traditions and historical documents to life for today’s families. Translated by volunteers from Portuguese esnogas in France, Italy, the U.S., Brazil, and Holland, these translations are continually being refined to improve clarity and language, reflecting our ongoing effort to make our heritage accessible. This non-commercial project supports the preservation and transmission of our shared traditions.