Obj. ID: 36242
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Circumcision shield, Ancona, circa 1850

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

Circumcision for the Jewish male is commanded by the Torah to be performed eight days after the birth of the male child. Surrounding this custom are many different types of objects for use on that day.

This is one of the instruments for the circumcision ceremony, the "Magenit", the protective shield for holding the foreskin during the circumcision. Engraved on the tool are two rampant lions supporting a crown and inscriptions, including variations of God's name, on both sides. This tool is made in an Italian style and is an elaborate example of the genre. The object comes from an Italian family from Ancona with other objects from there, so that city is apparently the place of origin as well.

In addition to the name of the owner and a Biblical quotation (Bereshit 17:9) there appear four different names of God. Inscription: Obverse: Shadai. Elya Aharon ben L(?) A(?) Menachem Perusha, May his Rock Protect Him ?????? ????? Reverse: Shaddai. ???? Thou shalt keep My covenant, Thou, and thy seed after thee (Genesis 17:9)