Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ferrara Bible Reissued: Preserving Jewish Heritage in Spanish

2/25/2026

36 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 1553, exiled Spanish and Portuguese Jews in Ferrara produced the Ferrara Bible, the first complete Hebrew Bible in Spanish.
The effort aimed to preserve faith after many converted to Catholicism to escape persecution.
The Ferrara Jewish community lacked Hebrew texts and relied on this translation that followed Hebrew syntax.
A new edition published by the José Antonio de Castro Foundation aims to reinforce its cultural significance.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 1553, exiled Spanish and Portuguese Jews in Ferrara produced the Ferrara Bible, the first complete Hebrew Bible in Spanish.
The effort aimed to preserve faith after many converted to Catholicism to escape persecution.
The Ferrara Jewish community lacked Hebrew texts and relied on this translation that followed Hebrew syntax.
A new edition published by the José Antonio de Castro Foundation aims to reinforce its cultural significance.