Obj. ID: 36856  Shadai'a (Dedicatory plaque); Takhshit (Dedicatory plaque), Arta, 1882

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

The parochet (Hebrew: פרוכת) is the curtain that covers the Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark) containing the Torah scrolls in a synagogue. The parochet symbolizes the curtain that covered the Ark of the Covenant, based on Exodus 40:21. "He brought the ark into the Tabernacle and placed the screening dividing curtain so that it formed a protective covering before the Ark..."

In a custom unique to the Romaniote Jews and in particular, to the community in Ioannina and a few others, Parochet plaques of silver were prepared and dedicated for various reasons to be hung around the doors of the Aron Kodesh on a band of textile material. The earliest plaques are known from the 17th century and such plaques are still being made in Romainote communities. Seen in the context of the Greek Orthodox culture in which the Romaniote communities reside, the custom appears to be a reflection of the votive plaques prepared and dedicated to the local churches. Certain silversmiths in each generation prepared plaques, and within particular periods the plaques resemble one another closely. Most of them begin with the words, "Al Shadai" and therefore are called "Shaddaya" or "Shaddayot" in the plural. While almost all the existing plaques are from Ioannina, this plaque is from the centuries-old Jewish community of Arta, about 74 kilometers from Ioannina. The inscription is for the well being of the donator and all his family.

Inscription: This is the plaque that was donated by the dear Yithak Yosef Havdalah, May the Lord sustain him and protect him, this is dedicated to the Lord for his life and the life of his brothers and for the life of all his family and may the Holy One, Blessed be He, gant him ???? in his work. This (brought) to the Lord on the 14th day of Shevat in the year 5642 [1882] here in the city of Arta, May He build our city, Amen, in the Holy Community of the citizens.