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The Jewish
world has long been held in fascination by both its own people and
the world at large. The long life-span of Judaism - the oldest religion
still practiced today -its monotheistic principle and strong moral
character, the fact that it gave birth to both Christianity and Islam,
and perhaps, above all, the stubborn survival of the Jewish people
despite millenia of persecutions, pogroms and exiles have throughout
time inspired feelings of awe, admiration, and love, but also, of
envy and hatred.
What is it about this religion and the people who adhere to it that
has carved for them such a unique place in the history of the world?
Wherein lies the enigma of survival?
These far-reaching questions may be asked also of the objects which
represent Jewish material culture. These objects, both ritual and
secular, hold in themselves stories of survival and testify to the
Jews' continuity as a people despite all perils. They also convey
a spirit of optimism and hope, and a love of beauty in the face of
hardship and persecution. They are worthy representatives of the people
themselves.
by Rivka Gonen
Jewish Bride
San'a, Yemen,
beginning 20th century
Reconstruction made by Rabbanit Bracha Kapah and the Zadok family,
Jerusalem |
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Costume of a Jewish woman
Ethiopia, Recent
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Spiceboxes
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Birds' Head Haggadah
Southern Germany, c. 1300
Scribe: Menahem
Parchment, pen and ink, tempera; handwritten
47 leaves, 27 x 19 cm. |
Torah scroll case
Iran, 1973
Wood, velvet,
silver repousse and glass beads
Height: 107 cm
(42 in)
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Torah Mantle
Mogador (?), Morocco, 1926
Velvet and silk,
metallic and thread embroidery
Height: 67 cm
(26.5 in)
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Costumes of a Jewish couple
Kurdistan, Iraq
Early 20th century |
Sassoon Spanish Haggadah
Spain, c 1320
Parchment, pen and ink, tempera and gold leaf Handwritten
21 x 16.5 cm (8.25 x 6.5 in)
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Mezuzah Cases
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