Curtain for the Holy Ark. Minsk, Communist era. 1959.
Paint on red cloth. With text [in Hebrew] ‘for eternal remembrance, this curtain was donated by the Biegel family in memory of the soul of R’ Yechiel b’r Reuvein who passed away on the 10th of Tishrei 1959. Minsk, 1959′. Lions, Decalogue and roses. All in strong, impressive colors. Wool fringes along the bottom edge.
In 1959, the Great Synagogue in Minsk was seized by the Communist government and turned into a theatre. The Jewish community in the city was harassed by the government which prohibited all religious activity. This parochet was possibly utilized in an underground synagogue; perhaps indicated by its simple material (instead of the customary velvet) and the primitive painting (instead of embroidery).
Faded. Fine condition.