Obj. ID: 641
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Torah shield of the Hesed Moshe Society (Kiev, late 19th century)

The silver Torah shield is rectangular and terminates with a semi circular undulating arch. The Tables of the Covenant are depicted in the center, and inscribed with the opening words of the Decalogue. They are flanked by rampant lions,facing backwards and revealing their tongues. The upper part bears hands forming the priestly blessing surmounted by a crown. An inscription surrounds the undulating edges, written in full square letters and reads:

למזכרת עולם לרה"ח [ראש החבורה] חסד משה הג' [גאון] ר' מאיר ב"ר יעקב הלוי גרעבין עם אשתו הצנועה מרת גנסה

"For eternal memory of the head of the society Hesed Moshe, Gaon Rabbi Meir son of r. Yaakov Halevi Grebin with his modest wife Mrs. Gnesa".

A flower is located below the tablets from which stems a flowering branch on either side.

The Torah shield is framed by a raised line. Two rings are attached at the Shields' backside supporting a chain.