Yom Kippur through the centuries: The prayer books that preserve centuries of Jewish history

The National Library of Israel (NLI) currently houses a collection of thousands of historical prayer books dedicated to the observance of Yom Kippur. Dr. Chaim Neria, the curator at the NLI, stated that the acquisition and preservation of these texts align with the institution's broader mission to document and safeguard Jewish history.

These prayer books serve as primary historical artifacts that preserve centuries of Jewish religious tradition and cultural development. By maintaining this collection, the library ensures that the evolution of Yom Kippur liturgy remains accessible for study and historical reflection.