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Between Holy and Profane

“… from each person whose heart inspires him to generosity, you shall take My offering”       Exodus, 25:2

In Jewish communities around the world, it is customary to dedicate ritual objects to aid the transcendence of the soul of a deceased person, each according to his ability and generosity.

The exhibits are ritual objects that have to do with Torah scrolls and include Torah scroll covers and curtains for the holy arks ­that were donated to synagogues in honor of the deceased and to aid the ascent of his or her soul

The designs common to all of these objects are the two tablets of stone upon which the Ten Commandments were written, the crown-shaped ornament placed on top of the Torah scroll and a pair of lions.

Unlike members of wealthy communities around the world, the Jews of the Yishuv HaYashan in Jerusalem could not afford rich materials and embroideries, and sometimes they made use of fabrics that were available to them such as wedding dresses. For that same reason, they often used imitation gold dyed embroidery threads.