47.8 F
New York
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Moriah Galleries Presents Exhibit of Ancient Jewish Amulets

Related Articles

-Advertisement-

Must read

In its 54th year of specializing in the world’s finest antique Judaica, Moriah Galleries is now presenting a most exquisite exhibition of Jewish amulets that is on view through February at its Manhattan gallery, at 230 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1311.

The extensive collection that has been developed over the last 20 years is comprised of amulets made of various materials including silver, paper and parchment. The vast array of amulets were culled from the length and breadth of the Jewish world; most specifically from Syria, North Africa and Persia and include a number of rare European examples with some never before seen.

From the earliest period of human development, man has recognized the existence of hidden powers at play in the world; powers that can influence the events of his life, for better or worse. In his lack of control and resultant fear of virtually everything happening around him, he fashioned a variety of idols and images to which he might pray for deliverance. With the giving of the Torah, life became meaningful, and he could now find answers to his problems within the sacred text.

Magic and mystical practices were a normal feature of Jewish life in both Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities alike. This was through the so-called “practical” Kabbalah, in the writing of amulets on paper, parchment, silver, and even base metals such as iron and brass. Most of these were written or composed by “Mekubalim” versed in Kabbalah, which add a great spiritual dimension to the amuletic text.

On exhibit at the Moriah gallery are some of the most important and spectacular examples of Jewish amulets and talismans comprising the ancient and old (from cca. 400 to 1900 C.E.) Many of these exude a unique charm and flavor with special meanings and “Hashivut” (importance).

Peter Ehrenthal, owner of the gallery hopes that while offering a window to the past and present practices of Jewish seekers of “Divine Help”, this exhibition will strike a chord of recognition and sympathy as “we all continue to struggle with the ever familiar problems of daily life”.

The exhibition is on view through February of 2013. An illustrated catalogue is available for $21.

The gallery hours are Mon – Thurs 10-4, Fri 10 -3, Sun 10-4. Tel: 212-679-7400

balance of natureDonate

Latest article

- Advertisement -