Tracing the People of Book through the written word From a rabbi's letter frowning on Henry VIII's first divorce to a rare 14th century illustrated copy of Maimonides' seminal work, the British Library in London is showcasing the historic Jewish experience in Europe for better and for ill Nitzhiya Yaakov | Published: 04.03.21 , 13:34 When serial spouse King Henry VIII wanted holy support for his divorce from first wife Catherine of Aragon over the lack of an heir, he found no quarter from Italy's Rabbi Jacob Rafael of Modena. The English king, searching for biblical grounds on which his marriage might be annulled, in 1521 canvassed the opinion of religious scholars.