The Sanctity of the Home: Ceremonial Objects in Jewish Family Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lenora Costa
(504) 293-4712

"This landmark exhibit brings to Longue Vue, the former residence of one of America's most distinguished Jewish families, a remarkably diverse and rare collection of traditional ceremonial objects which continue to hold special significance for everyday, Sabbath and Festival observance in the life of every Jewish family wherever they live in the world."

Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn, Congregation Temple Sinai

Come to Longue Vue and see extraordinary objects of everyday life within the Jewish home including tzedakah and spice boxes, Kiddush cups, menorahs, Hanukiahs, mezuzahs and more from the private and public collections of the New Orleans Jewish Community.

Some of these exquisite objects include:

Ida Kohlmeyer's Tree of Light, a menorah sculpted in1992; a brass Shabbat Lamp passed down150 years in the Dennery family traveling from Paris to New Orleans; a collection of 39 decorative spice boxes used during Havdalah - the celebration of the conclusion of Shabbat. Intricately decorated, the spice boxes include instruments, a windmill and vases.

There are seven Hanukiahs which are used specifically during the eight days of Hanukkah. History tells us that the Maccabees only had enough oil to keep their lamp lit for one day. However, the light burned for eight full days - this is the miracle of Hanukkah. Also featured in the exhibit are two brass and glass Lion of Judah lamps which symbolize the tribe of Judah and seven Tzedakah boxes.

A mezuzah is a small container that holds a scroll of the Ten Commandments. The Torah commands that a mezuzah is to be hung in every door frame of ones house so as to always be mindful of God's commandments. The collection of 65 Mezuzahs date from 200BC, a Roman vile enclosed in a contemporary sterling silver casing, to contemporary American clay pieces. Each one unique and beautiful in its own way.