1726 Haggadah found in UK garage

Jewish manuscript, which experts say dates back to 18th century, discovered among various non-related items in cardboard box

Daniel Koren|Published: 10.11.13 , 08:39

A rare 18th-century Haggadah has been found inside a random cardboard box located in a UK garage, according to the BBC.

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The Haggadah, which was discovered during a house clearance, is expected to sell at an auction for between £100,000 (about $160,500) and £150,000 ($240,650), though auctioneers claim it could sell for much more.

Experts say the rare item dates back to the year 1726, and that it was smuggled out of Belgium sometime during World War II. It contains handwritten text, painted on goat skin, and was found at a house in Bury where a Jewish couple used to reside.

The Haggadah is a Jewish manuscript that is read on the first nights of Passover.

Bill Forrest of Adam Partridge Auctioneers told the BBC that he found a "thin, fairly modest-looking manuscript" in the box, and realized "that actually it was quite a significant piece.

"This family became split up and various sides of the family were not talking to each other. Decades then ensued and these things get lost," he added.

The manuscript will be sold at an auction in late November.

Reprinted with permission from Shalom Life