Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by Mauro Magliani |
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Hassidic Shtreimel
Jerusalem Late 20th century Fur, velvet Purchased through the gift of Dr. Ernst Strauss, Zurich Accession number: B85.0143 |
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The hassidim are a conspicuous example of voluntary segregation. The hassidic movement, founded in eastern Europe in the 18th century, emphasized serving God through joy and considered the tzaddik, or rebbe, to be an intermediary between the community and God. As hassidism spread, numerous courts were set up around tzaddikim. To this day each court has its own distinctive apparel, which serves as a defense against outside influences and helps preserve the traditional way of life. The shtreimel, or fur hat, owes its origins to the Polish nobility. Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir |
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