05 - Rosh Hashanah
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(From Tapestry): “Rosh Hashanah 1938. This was the last Rosh Hashanah service that my zayde, Chaim, and his neighbor, Baresh–the two patriarchs of the village–conducted. Shabbos and holiday services were always conducted in Shmuel’s house, one of the largest and nicest in Mniszek. Most of the furniture was removed, and the Torah was placed in a closet draped with curtains.”
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Embroidery and fabric collage, 1996.
32″W x 42″H.
Transcript of Narration
Since the little village of Mniszek had no synagogue or Rabbi, Esther’s grandfather, Chaim, and his neighbor Baresh led prayer services for the Sabbath and holidays at Shmuel’s house, one of the biggest and nicest in Mniszek. Most of the furniture was removed, and the Torah was placed in a closet draped with curtains which Esther covered with a closable flap.
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Chaim holds the shofar, the ram’s horn, with which he will trumpet in the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah.
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This picture was a memorial to the last Rosh Hashanah service led by Chaim and Baresh before the war, reflecting Esther’s pride and admiration of her grandfather, and the deep significance of this Jewish holy day. To express her reverence, Esther bordered this picture in white, and outlined it in gold braid.