(SHIVITHI).

AUCTION 42 | Thursday, December 18th, 2008 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art

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Lot 317

(SHIVITHI).

Shivithi Hashem Lenegdi Tamid, Da Liphnei Mi Atah Omed. Single manuscript vellum leaf. 4.5 x 2.75 inches. Containing the four-letter divine name or Tetragrammaton in bold in center, within decorated roundel surrounded by geometric forms composed of a potpourri of Biblical and liturgical texts in Hebrew. Underneath, verses of Psalm LXVII arranged in shape of seven-branched candelabrum, ruled borders with stylized flowers in corners. The verso contains the text of LeDavid HaShem Ori to be recited during the month of Elul, anon Verso states "This Menorah belongs to HaBachur Chaim B. David Aryeh Borchardt who gave it to HaBachur Elia[hu] b. Mhora”sh Plessner” (i.e. Rabbi Shlomo Plessner of Posen (1797-1883)

(Germany): Early 19th century

Est: $1,500 - $2,000

PRICE REALIZED $1,200

The verse in Psalm 16, verse 8, reads: “I placed the Lord before me always.” Hence Kabbalists took this literally to mean that one should constantly meditate on the four-lettered name of God. Thus, it became customary to place a plaque with the Name in bold on the wall of the synagogue. In time, the “Shivithi” became a distinct genre of Jewish ceremonial art with various embellishments of a mystical and also artistic nature. Many of the devout carried their own personal “Shivithi” as a talisman for constant personal meditation