Sepher Seder Nashim [“A Book for Women”]

(LITURGY)

Italy

19th-century

Manuscript in Hebrew with nikud (vowel points); Italian instructions. Border surrounding text. Title has inset of matron kindling Sabbath lamp and surround of alternating bird and floral motif, painted in brilliant hues

Benedictions for Kindling Sabbath and Festival Lights; Prayers for Ritual Immersion, Conception, Pregnancy and Birth According to the rabbis, the three essential commandments a woman must fulfill are: Family purity (nidah), separating the priest’s portion from the dough (chalah), and kindling the Sabbath lights (hadlakath ha-ner)