Images(2)

Sign, Instructional

Object number2003.1.1 a-c

Date1963

MediumWood; Paint; Metal Screws; Tape; Lightbulbs; Electrical cords

Credit LineGift of Allan Goppman

DescriptionHand-painted panel depicting a portrait of Haman using shades of pink, yellow, and black; Eyes are two large holes through which red and blue lightbulbs are inserted; Large black Hebraic script at the bottom of the panel; Large crack across bottom part of panel; Picture on panel buckled and dented in places, and tape is pulling away in spots; Each lightbulb on brown cord with on/off switch.Dimensions43.9999 x 1.25 x 28.4999 in. (111.8 x 3.2 x 72.4 cm)
Historical NotesHand-painted panel depicting a portrait of Haman and the Hebraic script “cursed by Haman.” During the reading of the Megillah on Purim, it is tradition to shout and make noise whenever the villain Haman’s name is read. On the panel, red and blue light bulbs appear as Haman’s eyes and prompted children to shout at Haman.Label TextDuring the annual holiday of Purim, Jews celebrate the salvation of the Jews during the Babylonian exile. In the Book of Esther, Jews read aloud of a plot by the evil Haman, an advisor to King Ashauarus, to kill the Jews. Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai foiled the plot. When Haman’s name is mentioned in the reading, noise is made to drown out his name. This board is painted with a “image” of Haman and is inscribed “Cursed Haman” in Hebrew. Light bulbs were inserted in the eye sockets and were flashed on and off to accompany the noise. The board was used at the Adath Jeshurun Synagogue on Margaretta Street (known as the “Margaretta Street Schul”) and then moved with the congregation to Monroeville. The congregation disbanded in 2003.

Related institution Adath Jeshurun Congregation

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