56 Judaica Behind My Back

The library in my work room consists of two large sections and two smaller ones. One large section opposite me covers the whole wall. It is far from being in order, but there are still parts in which I can begin my search for a certain book. Kafka is below on the left and mythology is above him. English literature is up on the right, philosophy on the left, literature is in the middle, Judaica is to the right of literature and so on. Buried inside the library are two good loudspeakers which enable me to enjoy good music with whatever I do.

Attached to the wall on my right is a small section which is mainly filled by books on music. Its shelves are deep and it is possible to place two rows of books on them. In the past few years I have put together a large CD library and it now occupies the front row. The music books are therefore completely hidden by the CDs. At times, when I try to dig out something from behind them, I am thrilled to discover books that I had completely forgotten about and given up as 'lost' in the reaches of the library.

Next to the wall on my left is a narrow section containing Judaica books as well as children's books, tourist guides and books on various other subjects. However the most important section of my library is the one behind my back. It contains the reference books that I consult in the course of my work. I swivel around in my chair, extend an arm and almost without having to look, grab the book I need. That is the place for dictionaries (including the Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew by Menachem Zevi Kaddari), the Encyclopedias, the various Thesaurus's (including Thesaurus of the Hebrew Language by Nahum Stutchkoff) as well as Judaica books that I need most for my work. I edit many Judaica books.

The shelf I photographed contains the annotated Mishna of Kahati (with elucidations by Rabi Obadiah of Bertinoro) and the Mishneh Torah as well as the Guide to the Perplexed by Maimonides in three different editions (on another shelf I have the Eben Shmuel edition of the Guide with his comments) and also the Kuzari in three editions. On the shelf below it are all the books of the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud in a small edition. Today one can find almost all these texts on the internet. There the search is quicker and more efficient, none the less I still like to put out my hand, grab the book which contains the quotes I am dealing with, turn the pages quickly and verify the quotation of the book in my hand. A little act, almost automatic, but one that gives the feeling of being a Talmid Chacham (wise student).