1 item ([1] leaf) ; 52 x 36 cm.

Hebrew

In Hebrew.

Purchased from Vinograd and Rosenfeld on the Arthur D. Krom Fund, 2002.

Manuscript, ink and paint on paper. At the top of the document in a semi circle is the traditional statement for a Shiviti: "I have set the Lord always before me" (Psalm 16:8). Within the semi-circle is circle which contains the traditional statement "know before whom you stand". The circle is decorated with a linked chain. Below the circle is an image of the ten commandments and below that is the seven branched candelabrum containing Psalm 67. The center of the document is enclosed in a border that contains exhortations to the congregation to repent. Within the border are six rondels. The rondels at the four corners contain images of the four animals from the Mishnah, "Yehudah ben Tema said: Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and strong as a lion to carry out the will of your Father in Heaven" (Pirke Avot 5:23). At the bottom on either side of the candelabrum the names of the parents of the donors and the dates of their death are given, but without the year. The two rondels on either side of the candelabrum in the center contain statements for the leader of the service. On one side it says that whoever prays for the community with true devotion, that person's prayer is accepted. On the other side is a quote from the High Holiday service that repentence, prayer and charity avert God's decree of punishment. The scribe has written his name at the bottom: Rabbi Horṿits of Bredzen.

Archives or Manuscripts / Images

February 21, 2011

Shiviti plaque, Hebrew MSS suppl 77.5. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Shiviti plaque, Hebrew MSS suppl 77.5. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Shiviti - Moldova - Brezheny - 19th century.