Marilyn Monroe’s Jewish prayer book up for auction

Auction house J Greenstein & Co. will sell Marilyn Monroe’s personal siddur on November 12.

By Jack Gold, World Israel News

Marilyn Monroe’s personal siddur, or Jewish prayer book, will be auctioned off next month.

American icon Monroe converted to Judaism in 1956, prior to her marriage to Jewish playwright Arthur Miller. Miller’s rabbi, Robert Goldberg, presided over her conversion and their marriage.

Even after their divorce in 1961, Monroe said she remained committed to her adopted religion.

Printed in Vienna and published by H. Wagner in 1922, the siddur is titled “The Form of Daily Prayers. According to the Custom of the German and Polish Jews.”

The siddur contains notations in pencil, apparently in Monroe’s hand. The spine is nearly detached indicating that it may have been used extensively.

The item is estimated to be worth between $5,000 and $8,000, and will be auctioned off by J Greenstein & Co, Inc. on November 12. Starting price is $4,600.