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Img. ID: 23534

© Center for Jewish Art, Photographer: Radovan, Zev, 1997

The tower shaped Torah finial consists of a shaft, a body and an apex.

The cylindrical shaft is mounted over a raised base with petal-like edges, and is decorated with a floral pattern. Two thin rope-like rings encircle the top and bottom of the shaft.

The tower shaped body is mounted over a goblet shaped base and comprises of two tiers, topped by a gilded bell-shaped dome.

The base is surmounted by a convex ring encircled with a curved branch and flowers, topped by a concave ring.

The hexagonal body tapers upwards. Each facet is formed by intertwined scrolled branches, and is divided into two tiers by a band on which a different Sanctuary Implement is attached. The lower tier has an ogee arched opening surrounded by scrolls and flowers, whereas a palmette topped by a Fleur-de-lys form the upper tier. An additional large Fleur-de-lys is mounted on top. 

Two identical dedications inscribed in square Hebrew letters encircle each of the body’s lower edge. One word on each facet, which read:

"הקדש/ לישבת (לישיבת)/ ר"י (ר' יצחק)/ ור"א (ור' אברהם)/ חדאד/ זיע"א (זכותם תגן עלינו אמן)."

“Dedicated to the Yeshiva of Rabbi Itzhak and Rabbi Abraham Hadad, May their virtues protect us, amen” (see: History/Provenance).

Scroll shaped hooks for suspending chains and bells are attached to the connection between the facets of the upper tier. The body is surmounted by a gilded bell shaped dome. An apex formed as an acorn is set on top.

The Sanctuary Implements:

A matching group of implements is depicted on both finials. Although they are assembled in a different order, they were made of the same mold. The implements are read clockwise, following the dedication depicted on the first finial: The Tables of the Covenant, The Levite hand pouring water, a Star of David enclosing the word “Zion”, The Eternal light, a Menorah, The Priestly Blessing. (On the second finial: a Star of David enclosing the word “Zion”,  a Menorah, The Eternal light, The Laver and Basin, The Tables of the Covenant, The Priestly Blessing. 

The Tables of the Covenant (Ex. 31:18) are twin arched Tables inscribed with the six first letters of the Hebrew alphabet and stand on a crown shaped base.

The Laver and Basin (Ex. 30:18) are represented by a Levite hand pouring water from a laver. This depiction is based on the Levite role after the destruction of the Temple, washing the Priests hands before the ceremony in the synagogue (based on Shulhan Aruch, Orah Hayim, 128:6). 

The Eternal light (Ex. 27:20) is depicted as a bowl topped by a lid, suspended from three chains. 

The Menorah (Ex. 25:31) has five curved branches supported by a rectangular base.

Two raised open hands with a split in the middle and ring fingers are representing the Priestly Benediction (Num. 6:23-27). On both finials the depictions correspond to the initials of "May their virtues protect us, amen" (Remarks: no. 1). 

Object
Object Detail
Settings
Unknown
Date
early 20th century
Synagogue active dates
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Unknown (Unknown)
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Historical significance: Collective Memory/Folklore
Historical significance: Person
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Architectural Significance: Artistic Decoration
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0
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Computer Reconstruction
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Negative/Photo. No.