Torah mantle with goldwork embroidery, dedicated in memory of the donor's late husband. Craiova (Romania), Nissan (March-April) 1907.
Goldwork embroidery; cardboard cutouts; colored threads; metal applique; burgundy velvet; cotton lining.
Embroidered with torah crown, corresponding initials and inscription: "This embroidered mantle was donated by the generous woman Mrs. Leah, widow of the late Moshe Isaac Mendel of blessed memory, so that his soul may merit a garment in Heaven / may she be remembered and blessed / Craiova, Nissan 5667". With ornate foliate border.
The concept of the heavenly garment referred to in the inscription, originally called haluka de-rabanan [literally "rabbinical garb"], originates in the Zohar. It is mentioned in a prayer some say each morning before wearing a prayer shawl, linking the commandment involving garments in this world to the ascent of the soul and its garments in heaven. An additional commandment involving dress is the commandment of covering a Torah scroll, which, when performed in memory of the deceased, can grant their soul merit in heaven as well. The Talmud says that 'he who holds a bare Torah scroll shall be buried naked', that is, stripped of good deeds. From this source (among others) the Halacha concludes that a Torah scroll has to be covered. This mantle was dedicated by the widow so that the merit of covering a Torah scroll shall render her late husband's soul worthy of a heavenly garment.
80X47 cm. Fair condition. Threadbare velvet. Tears and unraveling to cloth. Damage to goldwork.