By “siddur” we ordinarily mean a Jewish prayer book, but this volume is not a normal prayer book. It is, rather, a rich compendium of liturgical poetry for Shabbat and the holidays, written in early Ashkenaz. Many of these poems are not included in later prayer books, so what is preserved in this volume offers crucial documentation of otherwise lost Jewish creativity. Also notable in this volume are its numerous miniature illustrations. 

 The striking image on the page before you, one of a series of illustrations of the Ten Commandments, is an illustration of the commandment to honor one’s parents, represented by the story of the Binding of Isaac (Isaac respects Abraham’s directions throughout the ordeal). To the left, Isaac is laid upon the altar, with an “angel” above him directing Abraham, in the middle, to withhold his sword. To the right, the ram that will replace Isaac on the altar is stuck in the bush, ready to be taken.