Obj. ID: 50645
Sacred and Ritual Objects Amulet, USA, 1970
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 amulet represents a fascinating story in the framework of Chabad in the 20th century. Among the Hasidic courts of the 19th century there existed a custom for the Rabbi to give to his followers a blessed silver coin as an amulet. This did continue in the 20th century as well, although less widespread. The Rebbe of Lubavitch, Schneerson, had the habit of giving a dollar to his visitor to donate to charity. But because of their extreme respect and adoration of the Rebbe, Most kept these dollar bills as an amulet. This is one of those famous "dollar" amulets from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. This one is an rare, inscribed 2 dollar bill, dated from 1970. Such amulets are highly valued today.
Donor: Donated by Schneour Zalman ben Baruch Me-Ladi