In Portuguese synagogue in The Hague – Bernard Picart, 1725

“Les Prêtres descendans d’Aaron donnant la Bénédiction au Peuple” [The priests, descendants of Aaron, giving the blessing to the people] and “Manière d’exposer la loy au peuple, avant que de commencer à la lire” [Manner of displaying the Law to the people before beginning to read it]. Copper engravings made in 1725 by Bernard Picart for Cérémonies et coutumes religieuses de tous les peuples du monde. Later hand-coloured. Size: (print).

The scenes take place in the Portuguese synagogue in The Hague, recognizable by its monumental interior with high windows, austere wall surfaces, heavy candle stands, and the characteristic bimah with wooden balustrades.

In the first engraving we see the Priestly Blessing (Birkat Kohanim). The kohanim—members of the priestly caste who, according to tradition, are direct descendants of Aaron—stand at the front of the synagogue, their heads and hands covered with the prayer shawl (tallit), as required during the recitation of the blessing.

In the centre stands the bimah (the platform from which the Torah is read), surrounded by men who also wear tallitot. The Priestly Blessing is recited with the priests facing the congregation and with their backs toward the Holy Ark, while the congregants turn away or cover themselves so as not to look directly at the priestly hands at the moment of the blessing.

In the second engraving we see the Sabbath ceremony. The chazan displays the Law of Moses to the congregation and proclaims: “This is the Law which Moses set before the children of Israel.” A kohen reads first, followed by a levi, and then other members of the community. After the reading, the chazan lifts the scroll and gives the blessing.

In the foreground we see various figures—both adults and children—taking part in or observing the ritual. Their presence underscores the social and intergenerational character of the service. The variation in clothing highlights the diversity within the Sephardic community, in which both prosperous merchant families and more modest members gathered together.

Price: Euro 325.