Images(2)

Text, Religious

Object number2001.26.1 a,b

Datec.1870

MediumIvory; Wood; Parchment; Ink; Wood; Metals; Leather; Paint; Fabric

Credit LineGift of Rita J. Gould

DescriptionMegillah with carrying case. The Megillah consisits of a turned and polished ivory handle fitted to a wooden rod, around which has been rolled a series of parchment leaves glued together to form a continuous scroll. Scroll is handwritten in black ink with Hebrew scriptural passages. A leathertte-fabric covered case with a hinged lid and two trunk-latch closures on front, and leather handle across top.Dimensions1.625 x 1.5 x 9.75 in. (4.1 x 3.8 x 24.8 cm)
Historical NotesParchment and ivory Megillah, late nineteenth century. This hand-written scroll of Ester probably belonged to the donor's grandfather, Abraham Goldstein, a Lithuanian immigrant who may have brought the scroll with him to Pittsburgh. The Megillah is read on Purim to commemorate the deliverance of the Persian Jews.Label TextBorn in Lithuania, Abraham Goldstein (1857-1938) became the sexton and Hebrew teacher of Tree of Life Congregation in 1884 and served in that capacity for 54 years until his death. He taught Hebrew to several thousand boys and girls and prepared hundreds of boys for Bar Mitzvah. The education building at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill is named for him. This megillah was found among his belongings after his death. The Book of Esther is written in Hebrew on the parchment scroll. During the holiday of Purim, the feast of Esther, the scroll is read, telling the story of how Esther and Mordecai saved the Jews of Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus

Previous owner Abraham Goldstein (1857 - 1938)

Related institution Tree of Life Congregation

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