Scholars transcribe hundreds of thousands of Cairo Geniza fragments, some never read before

Rediscovering the Cairo Geniza

The MiDRASH project has received a grant of 11.5 million dollars aimed at advancing research in medieval Jewish literature. This initiative focuses on the transcription, preservation, and interpretation of hundreds of thousands of fragments from the Cairo Geniza — a storied collection of Jewish manuscript pieces discovered in the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo.

A Rich Source of Heritage

Scholars are working to make these materials accessible through digital archives and advanced transcription technology. Many of the fragments, previously untouched or unreadable, reveal texts on religion, daily life, commerce, and community from Jewish communities across the medieval Mediterranean world.

“The Geniza is among the most significant historical archives ever found. Every newly deciphered line adds a voice from the past,” said one project researcher.

Expanding Access Through Technology

By combining machine learning tools with traditional scholarly methods, the MiDRASH initiative hopes to accelerate transcription and analysis. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive digital resource for historians, linguists, and scholars of religion.

Global Collaboration

The project unites experts from multiple universities and research institutions, reflecting an international effort to preserve Jewish cultural heritage and open new pathways for historical discovery.

“This is not just about manuscripts; it’s about connecting centuries of human experience,” one academic collaborator noted.

Author’s summary: A major scholarly project funded with 11.5 million dollars is digitizing and decoding the Cairo Geniza fragments, revealing unseen medieval Jewish texts and history.

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The Times of Israel The Times of Israel — 2025-11-26

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