The Art of Respect: Journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah

Co-hosted by the Congress of Bosniaks of North America and the World Jewish Congress

Sunday, March 21st, 2021 – LIVE on Facebook

11:00 – 12:00 EST (America)

16:00 – 17:00 CET (Europe)

The Sarajevo Haggadah represents an exquisite example of the medieval Hebrew illuminated and decorative art. It is a manuscript written on parchment, with a series of superb illuminations. According to David Stern, a professor of Jewish and Hebrew literature at Harvard University, the Sarajevo Haggadah is “probably the most famous medieval illustrated Hebrew manuscript, period.”

This priceless masterpiece of medieval Judaica most likely originated in 14th century Spain. It is known that the Haggadah left Spain after the expulsion of Jews in 1492, traveled throughout Europe, and most likely arrived in Sarajevo with Jews who found refuge in the city during the 16th century. Sarajevo is a city known as “small Jerusalem”, or as the Sephardim would say, “Saray el chico Yerusalai”.

The Sarajevo Haggadah has survived many hardships, and yet, more than six centuries later, it still lives and connects people. It is a beacon of hope, and in its own unique way, a symbol of the Exodus.

Remarks by:

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Sven Alkalaj, Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations

Hon. Elvir Resic, Consul General, Consulate General of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Chicago

Mr. Eldin Kajevic, President, Congress of Bosniaks of North America

Mr. Ernest Herzog, WJC Representative in the Balkans, WJC Representative in the Balkans

Story by:

Mr. Igor Kožemjakin, a Chazzan of Sarajevo Synagogue, Jewish Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Moderated by:

Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, President, WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps

Introduced by:

Vehida Spiodic, Director, Community Relations, Congress of Bosniaks of North America