Israel’s National Library Acquires First Kosher Cookbook

Why this is here: Lady Judith Montefiore, a British linguist, was one of the few Jewish women in Victorian England to be addressed as “Lady.”

The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem recently acquired an 1846 kosher cookbook believed to be compiled by Lady Judith Montefiore. The English-language volume, originally published anonymously as “A Lady,” features roughly 100 recipes and advice on household matters. Researchers connected the book to Montefiore after noticing similarities between its recipes and dishes served in her home.

The cookbook includes some of the earliest documented cheesecake recipes in Jewish culinary literature. It also offers recipes like “Palestine soup” with veal and Jerusalem artichokes. Beyond food, the book details cosmetics and milk-based beauty treatments favored by European elites.

Dr. Chaim Neria notes the acquisition supports the library’s goal to preserve Jewish heritage.

The library currently holds limited information about how widely the book circulated during its time. Further research will explore its impact on Jewish culinary traditions.