Encounters of Beauty unites two extraordinary collections, distinct in character, scope and guiding vision, yet sharing in their essence and their endeavors a common focus: the Hebrew book. 

The collection assembled by the National Library of Israel brings together the spiritual treasures of the Jewish people and great works of the world's literary civilizations. It is a collection born both of the discerning choices of generations of specialists and bibliophiles, and of the natural growth and energy of a vibrant, all-embracing library. 

A collection that represents another side of the world of manuscripts and printed works is a private, highly personal library that reflects the passions of one particular collector. The collection René Braginsky has built in Zurich contains one of the largest accumulations of Hebrew manuscripts ever acquired in a single generation, epitomizing one person's vision and taste, and celebrating the heights of artistic and aesthetic creativity achieved in the Jewish world. 

In Encounters of Beauty, gems from each collection, created at different times and in different countries, representing assorted literary genres and diverse perspectives and communities are juxtaposed. In each display they meet in conversation, addressing a specific issue that characterizes the Hebrew book; each showcase reveals all the more the special affinity between the Jewish people and the book. Encounters of Beauty is a tribute to the heroes of the Hebrew book: to the talent, professionalism and creativity of the copyists, writers, illustrators, and illuminators who turned the craft of the book into an art form.