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Auction 42 · Lot 317
(SHIVITHI).
- Estimate
- $1,500–$2,000
- Hammer price
- $1,200
Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.
Place
(Germany)
Publication
Early 19th century
Description
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
summary
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
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)
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