Obj. ID: 54426
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet by Moshe Ostropoli, Bratislava (Pressburg, Pozsony), circa 1925
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
From earliest times, man has tried to protect himself from misfortune by the use of objects which he considered holy or otherwise (e.g., magically) potent. Amulets and talismans are items generally worn around the neck or wrist, carried in a pocket or purse or hung on a wall. They are meant to protect or aid those who carried or wore them. The Hebrew word for amulet, kame‘a, has the root meaning "to bind". Jewish amulets are usually comprised of texts (either letters or graphic symbols) that are inscribed on some sort of material; some may also contain plant matter or precious stones. The texts of amulets usually include holy names that are believed to have the ability to affect reality, along with incantations summoning angels or other magical powers. For the most part, an amulet has a specific purpose: to ease childbirth, facilitate recovery from illness, improve one’s livelihood, and so on, but in the modern world many are also made for general protection.
This printed amulet is unusual for both the content and the place of printing, Bratislava. The text is from Rabbi Shimshon Esterpoli and is found on several other amulets for health and protection from the plague that are found in the Gross Family Collection. It is also an amulet for general protection.
For another version of this amulet in the collection see 027.011.456.
Bookstore: For sale at bookstore of M. Donath