Belt
Object number2018.12.2
MediumFabric
Credit LineGIft of Lynne Jacobson
DescriptionBlack fabric gartel. Long, twisted woven black cord. Each end is unraveled and braided to create fringe; some of the braided fringe are knotted at base.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 108.5 x 0.875 x 0.75 in. (275.6 x 2.2 x 1.9 cm)Historical NotesThis gartel was used by Eleazer “Louis” Eisenfeld. A gartel is a length of black fabric used by certain sects of religious Jewish men during worship. The most common use is to wrap it around the waist, although some wrap it around the chest at elbow-height. It is intended to symbolically separate the upper and lower halves of the body during prayer. Eleazer “Louis” Eisenfeld (1880-1956) immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary in 1912. He worked as an egg candler and went into business with Irving Somerman. In 1920, Eisenfeld sent for wife, Feige “Fannie” Piltz Eisenfeld (c. 1882-1976), and their sons Hershel “Harry” and Joseph in 1920. Joseph had died in the influenza epidemic. A third child, Shifra “Sylvia” “Shiffy,” was born after the Eisenfeld family settled in Pittsburgh. They lived in half of a duplex on Adelaide Street, in the upper Hill District.
Previous owner
Eleazer Eisenfeld
(1880 - 1956)
Related person
Feige Piltz Eisenfeld
(c. 1882 - 1976)
Related person
Hershel Eisenfeld
Related person
Joseph Eisenfeld
Related person
Shifra Eisenfeld
On View
Not on view
1879-1900
c. 1950
The Russell-Hampton Company
1947
