In 2022, the National Library of Israel and the Association of Jewish Libraries convened the International Forum on Judaica Provenance. The resulting “White Paper on Provenance in Judaic Books and Manuscripts” represents a pioneering effort to provide guidance in the complex realm of provenance policy. The practical recommendations outlined in the White Paper reflect a broad historical perspective, acknowledging the unique challenges of provenance research concerning Judaic books, manuscripts, and archives including—but not limited to-- Holocaust-era materials.
The field of provenance constitutes a dynamic ecosystem with diverse stakeholders and institutions, such as booksellers, private collectors, auction houses, dealers, archives, and libraries. Too often, these parties have operated as separate and disjointed “silos,” to the detriment of the public interest. This White Paper charts a new course, recognizing our interdependence and offering pragmatic policies and fair norms as a framework for sound decision-making.
Just as there is no “last word” in provenance—new facts may always emerge—there can also be no “last word” in provenance policy. The authors welcome comments and suggestions on any aspect of the White Paper, including the theoretical notes, best practices, case studies, and bibliography.
If you have a practical question about any aspect of provenance, please contact Dr. Chaim M. Neria, Curator of the Haim and Hanna Solomon Judaica Collection or Daniel Lipson, Reference and Digital Resource Librarian, at this dedicated e-mail address: [email protected]