The Posen Library: bringing Jewish primary texts to light

The goal of The Posen Library is “to ensure that thought leaders and scholars of Jewish history can represent Jewish life holistically and include in their work a multiplicity of voices, from a variety of religious perspectives, political persuasions, and genders using a plethora of media both written and visual.”

To that end, Volume 3 of the Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization: Encountering Christianity and Islam, 600-1200, strives to make accessible the myriad of Jewish history and culture’s primary sources. I was lucky enough to be a part of this massive project as one of the many, many translators for Volume 3. 

It has been truly a joy to hold the (heavy) book in my arms, and flip through the pages to find my own name attributed under a text. I cannot stress enough how important this volume, and all the Posen Library volumes, are to broadening our understanding of Jewish life and Judaism throughout history. It is truly a treasure-trove of primary sources.

From The Scroll of Secrets (Megilat setarim) by Nissim Ibn Shahin, 11th Century:

“I said to him, “You must admit that this explains the matter. God cannot be seen, and the eye cannot perceive Him at all. Now, which of these two things do you uphold and which of them do you put aside, saying [it is written] in the language of man?” He did not find an answer to this but admitted and said, “I know that the first is stated as a metaphor, while the second one is right and true.”