Images(6)

Commemorative

Object number2017.71.1

Date1965-2006

MediumVelvet; Silver; Sterling silver; Metal; Velcro

Credit LineGift of Carolee Burack

DescriptionConfirmation chain. Extremely long strip of blue velvet fabric with silver metal chain sewn to nearly the entire length. One hundread and fifty-one (151) silver and sterling silver medallions connected to the chain with small metal loops; the medallions vary in diameter. Medallions have engraved text on one or both sides documenting the confirmation students and year; some of the medallions have a maker's mark engraved on the reverse.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 198 × 2.375 × 0.5 in. (502.9 × 6 × 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsInscriptions were transcribed into a Microsoft Word document - see 2017.71 object file for transcription.
MarksInscriptions were transcribed into a Microsoft Word document - see 2017.71 object file for transcription.

Some of the medallions have maker's marks engraved on the reverse side including:
"QG STER";
"STERLING / Elco";
"FORSTNER / f / STERLING";
"STERLING";
"CACo / STG";
"JB STERLING";
"CACo / 1/20 12K";
"RJL STER".
Historical NotesA confirmation chain from the Beth Israel Center in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania. The medallions list the names and dates of the confirmation students in the history of the congregation. The large medallion lists members of the first class. During high holidays the congregation would drape the chain over the front of the bima. The Beth Israel Center is a lay-led conservative congregation. It was created in 1958 by a small group of local businessmen, engineers, scientists, and other professionals from the Baldwin, Whitehall, Pleasant Hills, and Jefferson areas. Their first president weas Dr. Jacques L. Weiss. It was incorporated in 1959 and its by-laws place an equal emphasis on the cultural, social, synagogue, and academic roles of the center.

Related institution Beth Israel Center

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