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   Under Reconstruction!
Object Alone

Obj. ID: 3625
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Torah pointer

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

The Torah pointer comprises an upper cylindrical handle surmounting a leaf-shaped bar, which tapers towards a pointer formed as a clenched hand with a straight index finger.  

The handle includes undulating units set in between compressed globes and rings. A round loop, through which a ring is inserted, surmounts the handle.

The flat bar is composed of a leaf-shaped unit, topped by a rectangle with curved edges mounted over a round medallion. The bar is decorated with different ornaments: a scrolling branch, the Tables of the Covenant and a Star of David inscribed:  "יד"”a hand" (that is "a pointer").

The entire decoration is framed with a running pattern of small triangles.

The back side is inscribed with a dedication, written in square linear letters and reads towards the pointer (fig. 1):

"למנוחת הבחור העלוב דניאל/ טרבלסי בר מטירה. נלב"ע (נאסף לבית עולמו) כ"ג תמוז/ התשנ"ג תנצבה"א. (תהא נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים, אמן) נדבת דידי חדאד ומשפחתו."

“(Donated) for the repose of the humble youth Daniel Trabelsi, son of Matira. Passed away on the 23rd of Tamuz 5753 (12.7.1993), may his soul be bound in the bond of life, amen. A donation of Didi Hadad and his family.”

428025.DOC

Summary and Remarks
  1. Similar Torah pointers commemorating the death of Trabelsi were dedicated to several synagogues around the Hara Kbira. 
Remarks

9 image(s)

sub-set tree:

Name/Title
Torah pointer | Unknown
Object Detail
Monument Setting
Unknown
Date
1993 (inscription)
Synagogue active dates
Reconstruction dates
Artist/ Maker
Unknown
Origin
Historical Origin
Unknown
Community type
North African | Tunisian
| Tunisia, Djerba, Hara Kbira
Congregation
Location
Unknown |
Site
Unknown
School/Style
Unknown| Tunisian and Libyan
Period
Unknown
Period Detail
Tunisian Republic (1956-)
Collection
Documentation / Research project
Unknown
Iconographical Subject
Textual Content
Unknown |
Languages of inscription
Unknown
Shape / Form
Unknown
Material / Technique
Material Stucture
cut, cast (handle; pointer)
Material Decoration
engraved, punched
Material Bonding
soldered
Material Inscription
engraved, punched
Material Additions
Material Cloth
Material Lining
Tesserae Arrangement
Density
Colors
Construction material
Measurements
Height
280 mm
Length
Width
38 mm
Depth
Circumference
Thickness
Diameter
Weight
Axis
Panel Measurements
Condition
Intact
Extant
Documented by CJA
Surveyed by CJA
Present Usage
Present Usage Details
Condition of Building Fabric
Architectural Significance type
Historical significance: Event/Period
Historical significance: Collective Memory/Folklore
Historical significance: Person
Architectural Significance: Style
Architectural Significance: Artistic Decoration
Urban significance
Significance Rating
0
Ornamentation
Custom
Contents
Codicology
Scribes
Script
Number of Lines
Ruling
Pricking
Quires
Catchwords
Hebrew Numeration
Blank Leaves
Direction/Location
Façade (main)
Endivances
Location of Torah Ark
Location of Apse
Location of Niche
Location of Reader's Desk
Location of Platform
Temp: Architecture Axis
Arrangement of Seats
Location of Women's Section
Direction Prayer
Direction Toward Jerusalem
Coin
Coin Series
Coin Ruler
Coin Year
Denomination
Signature
Colophon
Scribal Notes
Watermark
Hallmark
Group
Group
Group
Group
Group
Trade Mark
Binding
Decoration Program
Suggested Reconsdivuction
History/Provenance
Daniel Trabelsi was a young man who drowned in the sea on the 23rd of Tamuz, a day within the three weeks of mourning known as "Between the Straits" (17th of Tamuz- 9th of Av; Lam. 1:3). According to Jewish tradition, these days, commemorating the siege around Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple, are considered days of calamity. Thus, people should be particularly cautious during this period, and especially ought to avoid the sea, which is regarded a most dangerous site. For mourning customs conducted "Between the Straits", see: Shulhan Aruch, Orakh Hayim, 549-561).
Main Surveys & Excavations
Sources
Type
Documenter
Efrat Assaf-Shapira | 07.97
Author of description
| 11.00
Architectural Drawings
|
Computer Reconstruction
|
Section Head
Ariella Amar | 12.00; 06.11
Language Editor
Dvora Sax | 10.11
Donor
|
Negative/Photo. No.
The following information on this monument will be completed:
Unknown |