Torah scroll, Sephardic scribal writing, placed in a Tunisian-style wooden case wrapped in drapery. [Israel, ca. 1960s].
Ink on processed parchment. Writing characteristic of Oriental Jewry in Israel in the 60s.
The scroll is placed in a 13-sided wooden case draped in fabric in Tunisian style, topped with a sawn crown. Attached to the case are dedication plates shaped like the Two Tablets, with the names of: "R. Faraji Alush and his son Susu Alush and his wife Felila", and the inscription: "Donation of the girls Kadara and Zahiya Alush for the life of the family of the holy rabbi…". Hooks are attached all around the case for hanging the crimson velvet drapery, machine-embroidered with silver threads, decorated with a braided ribbon and straps. A Torah crown and Tablets of Law are embroidered in the center, flanked by verses, Stars of David surrounded by flowers, lamps and dedications: "Kadara daughter of Felila Alush, Zahiya daughter of Felila Damara and Simcha daughter of Tita Bochovze", "Felya daughter of Aziza, Aziza daughter of Esther, and Oreda daughter of Rivka, R. Parazi son of Oreda and Pinchas son of Mas'uda Alush".
R. Faraji Alush (1854-1921), Rabbi of Gabès (Tunisia), was a revered sage in Tunis. Author of Responsa Ohev Mishpat. In the 1970s, his remains were brought to Israel and interred in the Be'er Sheva cemetery, alongside the grave of his disciple R. Chaim Chori.
Height of parchment: approx. 50 cm. Light-colored white parchment. Good condition.
Height of case: 74 cm. Diameter: approx. 34.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Breaks. Open break on one side of the crown.
Drapery: 57 x 113 cm. Good condition. Unraveling fabric and stitches and torn loops.