Ets Haim is the oldest functioning Jewish library in the world. It was founded in 1616 and has been housed in the beautiful complex of the Portuguese Jewish community of Amsterdam since 1675.

The library's holdings consist of some 500 manuscripts and 30000 printed works. It owns a large and rich collection on the subject of 17th and 18th century Judaism and has for over 375 years been a integral part of the cultural heritage of Amsterdam.

The library provided services for teachers and students the "Academia y Yesiba Ets Haim" or "The Tree of Life Academy and Theological school". The collection is characterised by the wide ranging interest of a 17th and 18th century scholarly academy, yet its religious background is reflected in the composition of its holdings.

The library's current name "Portuguese-Jewish Seminary Ets Haim" was imposed on the institute by legal decree in the 19th century. Unfortunately, this name tends to create the impression that the library is solely involved in religious education.