This Torah crown from Suriname was made originally in Amsterdam by Evert van Heerdan (active 1644–1683). It is a fine repoussé piece exemplifying the mastery of Dutch silverwork practices. Inscribed on the reverse side of the crown is the name of its donor, Semuel Coen Nassi, a prominent member of the Jewish community who donated this piece. He bought the land on which Suriname’s first synagogue was built and was also a commander of the community’s militia. Handsomely decorated with punched, engraved leaves, flowers, and animals, the crown’s band is additionally adorned with diamonds, circles, and other geometric forms.
This Torah ark curtain from Gördes, Turkey, features an archway flanked on either side with double columns and a hanging lamp, a motif common to both Islamic prayer rugs and mats and Ottoman Torah ark…
Natan turns to memories of her 1950s childhood on a kibbutz as inspiration for many of her works. She often uses everyday materials, such as netting and underwear, in her sculptures, as in this one…
David Tevele Schiff (d. 1791) was the rabbi of the Great Synagogue of London from 1765 until his death. At the time of his appointment, the rabbi of the Great Synagogue was also considered to be the…