Deakin donates Judaic and Hebraic book collection to Monash

Deakin University Library has donated 1700 volumes of Judaic and Hebraic books to Monash University Library.

These titles will support teaching and research in the Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation.

The donation, initiated and facilitated by Paul Forgasz of the Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilization at Monash University and Clara Ichlov of Deakin University Library, consists of mainly Hebrew language material, as well as some Yiddish literature and English language items. It contains all the standard biblical and rabbinic works (Mishnah, Midrash, Tosefta, Talmud), along with some philosophy and works related to Kabbalah.

It also has a useful selection of modern Hebrew language books, grammar and literature-related items, including the Israel Academy of Letters version of the OED and other reference books.

According to Dr Michael Fagenblat, a lecturer in the Department of Jewish Civilisation in Monash University’s Faculty of Arts, there are some lovely surprises in the collection, including critical editions with manuscript variants of several texts such as the Samaritan Bible. “It provides the basic building blocks of a collection of classical Jewish studies. Such books are literally indispensable for researchers.”

This donation enhances and complements the Monash University Library’s existing collection which includes the Laura and Israel Kipen Judaica collection and the Giligich Yiddish collection.

24 November 2006

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Paul Forgasz, right, of the Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation, displays some of the donated collection, with library staff Rosalind Olsen and Robert Stafford.