Obj. ID: 39425
Sacred and Ritual Objects Bag of holy earth from Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, circa 1960
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
While death and mourning are not generally considered a subject with a lot of graphic expression, within the Jewish tradition there are quite a few examples. Such things as memorial poems, burial plot receipts, Yahrzeit memorial plaques, etc. gave ample scope for artistic creativity. The customs surrounding this sad time of life gave birth to graphic design.
Traditionally, it has been the dream of every Jew to be buried in Jerusalem. At the beginning of the 20th cenury someone developed an idea for all of those for whom such a buriel was impossible, who were nearly 100% of the Jewish population from that time. This object is a bag of earth, printed with the pictures of the holy Tombs of Rachel and The Patriarchs. But this is the most modern version in the Gross Family Collection dating from the period of the State of Israel. The bag was sent abroad to be placed under the head of a deceased Jew, so that it is as if he were buried in the holy city of Jerusalem. This is a sort of spiritual pilgrimage to tie the deceased to the Holy Land. This seems to be from the 60's and is sealed officially with a lead seal.
Inscription: U-Kfar Admato 'imol; The Chief Rabbinate of Israel