The National Library of Israel has obtained a rare original copy of what is widely considered the first-ever kosher cookbook — an English-language volume published in 1846 featuring recipes, as well as household advice and beauty treatments.
It is believed to have been compiled by Lady Judith Montefiore, a British linguist and philanthropist, and the wife of famous financier Sir Moses Montefiore.
The book, titled “The Jewish Manual of Modern Cookery, With a Collection of Valuable Recipes & Hints Relating to the Toilette,” was originally published anonymously under the byline “A Lady.”
Scholars later linked the work to Montefiore, one of the few Jewish women in Victorian England to hold the title “Lady,” after researchers identified similarities between the recipes and dishes known to have been served in the Montefiore household.
The acquisition came ahead of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and includes some of the earliest recorded cheesecake recipes in Jewish culinary literature, alongside a variety of dairy-based dishes heavy on butter and cream.
Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the terms
The cookbook also contains recipes such as “Palestine soup,” made with veal, chicken and Jerusalem artichokes, as well as advice on cosmetics and milk-based beauty baths that were popular among Europe’s upper classes at the time.
An undated drawing of Lady Judith Montefiore. (Courtesy Montefiore Endowment)
Dr. Chaim Neria, curator of the Haim and Hanna Salomon Judaica Collection at the National Library, said obtaining a physical copy of the book was significant because it marks the earliest known Jewish cookbook published in England.
“Its acquisition fits the library’s mission to collect, preserve and make accessible collections of knowledge, heritage and culture of the Jewish people, the State of Israel and the Land of Israel, and the legacy of the Montefiore family is woven into all of these,” he said.
Montefiore died in 1862 at the age of 78 and was buried in Ramsgate, England, near a synagogue established by her husband.
Which gorgeous bird do you prefer?
THIS MONTH ONLY: Join our reader support group for as little as $6/month and receive an exclusive tote bag featuring one of Israel’s native birds.
Choose between the Duchifat (orange), Israel’s national bird, or the Shaldag (blue), a beloved symbol of the Israeli landscape.
As a member of the Times of Israel Community, you’ll also enjoy:
An ad-free experience of our site and podcasts.
Exclusive access to award-winning films via DocuNation.
Weekly letters from founding editor David Horovitz.
Join ToI Community & claim my bag
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You’re a dedicated reader
That’s why we started the Times of Israel – to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel