Rimmonim
1716 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In Judaism the Torah (the scroll containing the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) is usually decorated with either a crown or a pair of finials. These are known as ‘rimmonim’ (pomegranates). The bells on the rimmonim produce a tinkling sound when the dressed Torah is carried round the synagogue. The bells are reminiscent of the High Priest's robe which was fringed with gold bells and scarlet pomegranates.
This pair of rimmonim comes from the Hambro Synagogue, one of the first Askenazi synagogues in London.
This pair of rimmonim comes from the Hambro Synagogue, one of the first Askenazi synagogues in London.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast and engraved silver with gilding |
| Brief description | Rimmonim, silver, London, 1716. Made by Abraham Oliveyra |
| Physical description | Pair of silver rimmonim. Of open bowl form, chased with foliage and flutes on matted ground and with knurled rims and beaded scroll brackets. Octagonal gilt bells. Crown and flaming vase finials. Shafts lightly chased with flowers and false flutes. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | By Abraham de Oliverya, London, 1716 (marks on inner surfaces of each main section). (Shafts of 1732 a later addition, but without maker's mark.) |
| Gallery label | Torah Rimmonim
In Judaism the Torah (the scroll containing the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) is usually decorated with either a crown or a pair of finials. These are known as 'rimmonim' (pomegranates). Some rimmonim, as here, are decorated with bells to draw attention to the reading of the Torah and also as a reminder of the bells on the robe of the High Priest of the ancient temple of Jerusalem.
This pair of rimmonim comes from the Hambro Synagogue, one of the first Askenazi synagogues in London.
London, England, 1716; by Abraham de Oliveyra
(active 1724-50), the shafts 1732
Silver
Lent by the Jewish Museum, London(22/11/2005) |
| Credit line | Lent by the Jewish Museum, London |
| Object history | From the Hambro' Synagogue (founded 1704 at Fenchurch St, City of London and demolished in 1892). |
| Historical context | Jewish Worship Judaism is the oldest religion in the world to worship the one God.World Jewry has three main groups: Sephardic, Askenazic and Mizrahi (the Jews who never left the Middle East). All are bound together by a common history and their adherence to the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and the Talmud (a compendium of rabbinic law and lore). Jewish religious traditions and rituals centre on the home, the community and the synagogue. Central to Judaism is the observance of the Sabbath. This is a holy day, set apart from the rest of the working week. It begins one hour before sunset on Friday and ends on Saturday evening when three stars can be seen in the night sky. The Jewish year revolves around a number of festivals, such as Passover. These originated in ancient times and embody multiple layers of meaning, from agricultural festivals to historical events. |
| Summary | In Judaism the Torah (the scroll containing the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) is usually decorated with either a crown or a pair of finials. These are known as ‘rimmonim’ (pomegranates). The bells on the rimmonim produce a tinkling sound when the dressed Torah is carried round the synagogue. The bells are reminiscent of the High Priest's robe which was fringed with gold bells and scarlet pomegranates. This pair of rimmonim comes from the Hambro Synagogue, one of the first Askenazi synagogues in London. |
| Associated object | |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | LOAN:JEWISH MUSEUM.1:1-2004 |
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| Record created | February 7, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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