Subject: Jewish Ritual Objects

Cabinet photograph depicting a silver Torah breastplate, offered for sale by Martin & Son of London, England. The photograph, circa 1885, was sent to Rabbi Sabato Morais of Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Handwritten on the back are details regarding the weight and price of the breastplate. This is one of nine photographs in a collection that also includes a drawing and a fragment of the original envelope.

Cabinet photograph and hand drawing of a Torah crown (approximately 40-45 ounces), sent in an envelope from Martin & Son, 245 Commercial Rd., London, England, to Rabbi Sabato Morais of Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, circa 1885. This is one of nine cabinet photographs and a drawing sent to Rabbi Morais, possibly related to an inquiry about purchasing ritual objects.

Cabinet photograph of silver finials for a Torah, taken by Martin & Son at 245 Commercial Rd., London, England, circa 1885. This photograph, part of a set of nine, was sent to Rabbi Sabato Morais of Mikveh Israel Synagogue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, possibly as part of a sales inquiry. The images show ritual objects, and further research is needed to determine their origin and age.

Coin silver circumcision shield with a decorative design and the name "E. Rosengarten" on one side. The reverse side bears the Hebrew date "5619" (1859/60). A rare example of a mid-19th-century Jewish-American ritual object. Exhibited in "Tolerance and Identity: Jews in Early New York 1654-1825" at the Museum of the City of New York (May-December 2005), curated by Dr. Debra Waters. Also displayed at the opening of the Museum of American Jewish Heritage in Philadelphia (2010-2011) and in a Jewish history exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York (May-December 2005).

Hand-embroidered tefillin bag featuring birds and flowers. Includes a line of Hebrew text and the date 1894. Discovered in New York City; origin possibly European or American. Measures approximately 10" x 8.5".

A silver Kiddush cup, machine-turned in tulip form, set on a stem and circular base. Inscribed in Hebrew, it reads "Presented by (The Society Woman of Valor and Guardian of the Sick) to J. Rosenberg." Circa 1860.

A menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, dating from circa 1890. The object's material and specific details are unknown due to limited information in the original record.

Black and white photograph of a bar mitzvah boy wearing tefillin and a prayer shawl, holding a Bible. On the table are the bag for the shawl and tefillin. A New Year's card is affixed to the back of the photograph: "Mr. & Mrs. S. Shulk, 2414 S. 3rd St., Phila. 1/1/1920."