Ceremonial Art

The Hanukkah lamp was a gift from Bertha Hirschland Cohn to her husband, Julius. Bertha worked with the goldsmith to design the lamp.

Spice container in fish form has moveable scales, blue glass (or stone?) eyes. The head is detachable.

The use of amulets is widespread in Jewish, Christian and Muslim popular belief. Amulets may be made of metal, wood, stone or parchment/paper.

The elaborate decoration on this wedding cup includes fleur-de-lis motif on plate and cup. The lower section of the cup is scalloped. Rows of zigzag are faintly incised above.

Many of the Ashkenazic Jews of Central and Eastern Europe brought woodcarving skills to our shores.

The Torah Pointer has a pendant rocaille cartouche that bears the town hallmark, Frankfurt/Main, and the initials of the silversmith Rotger Herfurth (1722-1776).

Throughout Jewish history, the attitude toward covering the head has varied. In the Middle Ages, many Jews wore hats only during prayer and study.

Three tiered plate enclosed by curtain, surmounted by six figures supporting various forms of vessels for ritual foods within cut out balustrade flanked by perched eagles.

On the festive Jewish holiday of Purim, worshipers fill the temple to hear the rabbi read the megillah (Book of Esther).

These cups are engraved with the monograms "LC" and "MP", for Lore Cohn and Max Pagener. The LC cup was used by Eleanor (Lore) Cohn for Shabbat and holidays.