Judaism makes use of special objects to perform the liturgy at different festival and life-cycle events.

These artifacts can be both symbolic and utilitarian. Some are very richly decorated, others quite simple depending on their origin and the artistic skills of the community. Aside from the Torah, these objects are not sacred, but ceremonial instruments for the purpose of benediction. They belong to what is called Jewish Ceremonial Art.

Some of the artifacts presented here belong to the collection of the Old Jewish Museum, while others are on loan from private collections.

Top left: Travelling Aron Kodesh presented to Theodor Herzl by the Jews of Vilna, circa 1860.
Right: First Torah scroll brought to South Africa by Aaron de Pass.
Bottom left: Olive wood megillat Ester.
Right: Shofar made of ram's horn.

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