An Elaborately Embroidered Torah Mantle Panel, [Germany]: 1797

The Hebrew dedicatory inscription records that this magnificent textile was “donated by the esteemed Mr. Leib Katzav, son of the martyr Moses, of blessed memory, together with his wife, Mrs. Hinda, daughter of the esteemed Aberl Handler, son of Mr. Katriel, of blessed memory, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Sheva, may her days be lengthened; in memory of his father and mother, Mrs. Hayyah, and his brother, the martyr Mr. Meir, and in memory of his father-in-law, of blessed memory, and in memory of the lady Mrs. Golda. May their names be bound up in the Bond of Life. In the year [5]557 [1797].”

It is poignant that the father and the brother of the man who dedicated this sumptuous textile, Leib Katzav, are memorialized with the honorific ha-kadosh, designating them both as martyrs.

Physical Description

Gilt metallic thread on maroon velvet (32 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.; 827 x 374 mm).