Curator's Corner #1-10
#1 Haggadot
In time for the observance of Pesach, the book commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, Haggadah, will be read by the Jews around the world. Some of the most beautifully illustrated Hebrew manuscripts are in the British Library, and the 1330s 'Golden Haggadah' is one of them. www.bl.uk/collection-items/golden-haggadah
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#2 Ornamenting the Torah Scrolls
Last year, and every year before, when the curtain of the Ark of The Great Synagogue was drawn back for Passover services, the blue and silver shine and spark was revealed. Not this year. These photos were taken last year and show the nine Torah scrolls enveloped in embroidered velvet mantles and decorated with splendid silver ornaments.
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#3 The Building Over Time
In this series, instead of spending time inside the museum archives, we take a walk to the see the shul, because maybe you are already missing it… and there are some treasured old images showing the splendour of the building.
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#4 ANZAC Day & Abraham Rothfield
Some objects from the AM Rosenblum Jewish Museum collection document the history of the early Jewish congregation in Sydney, and some tell not so distant stories of brave individuals of the community. These medals pay homage to Abraham Rothfield (1890–1968), an educator, who is still warmly remembered at The Great Synagogue where he was much loved teacher of Bar Mitzvah boys. As a young man, Rothfield was decorated for his outstanding bravery in action on the battlefields of the World War I.
Names of the NSW Jewish soldiers who fought and lost lives during the WWI and WWII are commemorated in The Great Synagogue Roll of Honour Book, usually on display for the ANZAC Day.
#5 Illuminated Addresses
The AM Rosenblum Jewish Museum was opened in the early 1980s when then Great Synagogue leader and soon President Rodney Rosenblum and his wife Sylvia, a talented Museum Studies graduate, recognised the importance of items which till then had been stored in less than ideal conditions around The Great.
Through the work of the Rosenblums, curators and volunteers, a professional approach has seen the objects in the collection properly stored and recorded and grants for aspects of the museum’s work from the State and Federal Governments.
Here are some of the Illuminated Addresses from the Collection, presented to leading community members on special occasions.
#6 The Great's Women
The Great Synagogue in Sydney opened 142 years ago and women have always contributed to its success and development. Not a single week on religious or social and community calendar would be possible without the Great Women's talents and dedication. Their attire and fashion may have changed over the years but their love and enthusiasm remain ageless.
#7 Drawn to The Great Synagogue
Artists have always been drawn to the sandstone beauty of The Great Synagogue and some of these treasured artworks are over 100 years old. They depict the view that has been long gone and one we can only imagine: in clear line of sight, the pair of domed synagogue's towers dominating Elizabeth Street and visible from afar across the Hyde Park.
#8 Offertory Books
Tzedakah - Jewish charity - is one of the most important religious and social obligations. Whether supporting the poor and elderly, orphans' education, or a Jewish hospital and refuge, by the 1870s several Jewish charitable institutions were established in Sydney and Melbourne. In the past as today, donations are customarily pledged when being called up to the Torah on Shabbat and Jewish festivals. But have you ever wondered how the offerings were recorded on Shabbats in the past? The inventiveness knew no boundaries: the Jews in England came up with an Offertory Book, also known as Shabbat or Gabbai Book. A hefty parchment-bound register with the congregants' names listed on the left and columns with various amounts, and a list of charities on the right or along the top, was common in the colony as well. Each page was provided with a lace that could be inserted in the hole indicating the purpose and the specified amount. The marked names and amounts and other details were later transferred to an account book during the week.
#9 Etrog Boxes
Celebrated by Jews around the world and over the centuries, the festival of Sukkot inspired the creation of Etrog containers of many sizes and shapes. Silver remains the popular material, and it is rather common to find a lovely collection of Etrog boxes in any Jewish museum.
#10 Shabbat Candelighting Postcards
A Shabbat Shalom greeting this week comes from three collections of Judaica showing early Jewish postcards. Lighting Shabbat candles is traditionally performed by the woman of the house as she ushers in the Shabbat on Friday evening. Usually, two candles are lit, but blessing four candles became common in larger households in Europe more than a century ago.
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