Bonhams has announced that its inaugural auction of important Judaica will be held on December 9 in New York, with Dr Rachael Goldman newly appointed as an expert consultant in the field.

Documents and religious texts such as this item shed light on the complexities of Jewish culture and history

Goldman has worked with many of the world's most esteemed institutions, and will be on hand to appraise items that span historical, social and religious aspects of Jewish culture.

Bonhams hopes that its first auction of Judaica will open the market to a wider audience, with items that illuminate the complex nature of Jewish identity holding particular importance in the sale.

On April 29, hedge fund manager Michael Steinhardt will offer his remarkable collection of Judaica at Sotheby's.

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