Jewish Simchat Tora – Bernard Picard, 1725

SIMCHAT TORA FESTIVITIES IN 18TH CENTURY AMSTERDAM “Maniere de conduire les epoux de la Loy cez eux.” [The way in…

SIMCHAT TORA FESTIVITIES IN 18^TH CENTURY AMSTERDAM

“Maniere de conduire les epoux de la Loy cez eux.” [The way in which the end and the beginning of reading the Thora come together], copper engraving made in 1725 by Bernard Picard for his “Cérémonies et coutumes religieuses de tous les peuples du monde”. Coloured by a later hand. Size: (plate): 16,5 x 21,5 cm.

This Jewish holiday celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle.

The Simchat Torah festivities begin with an evening service. All the synagogue’s Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and are carried around the sanctuary in a series of rounds. The dancing and singing with the Torah in the depicted scene overflows from the synagogue onto the streets.

Price: Euro 325,-