Obj. ID: 39323
Sacred and Ritual Objects Brit Milah Textile, Germany, circa 1875
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 textile is a pillow cover for a pillow to be placed next to infant on night before circumcision. On the back panel are embroidered initials in a monogram. The top side is embroidered with a saying about the guardian of Israel who will remain ever vigilant. The night before the circumcision was considered to be a time when the child was most open to evil spirits, such as Liltih. Special textiles with an inscription for this ceremony are not common.
Inscription: Hinei Lo Yinam ve-Lo Yishan Shomer Yisrael Behold! He that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalms 121:4)