Wimpel (linen Torah binder) for a Torah scroll, from the circumcision of Shimon son of Gavriel Naftali Frayerman. Germany, 1843.
Linen fabric, embroidered with colorful threads.
The long linen Torah binder is composed of four strips of fabric finely embroidered together. The center is inscribed: "Shimon son of our rabbi Gavriel Naftali, known as, Hirsch Fryerman may God guard him. Was born with Mazal Tov on the holy Shabbat on 11 Marcheshvan, 1843. May his parents merit raising him to Torah, Chupa and Ma’asim Tovim”. The embroidery of this wimple is elaborate and includes figures and animals is great detail; A man with a cylinder hat watering a plant, a double headed eagle, a crab (the zodiac sign of cancer - Marcheshvan) and a squirrel smoking a pipe. The embroidery uses many hues and contemporary fashion. Shabbat symbols are embroidered within some letters; candle sticks, challah and a table (maybe due to the day of birth – Shabbat). Under the indication of the year, a charming train wagon is depicted. The word "Torah" appears within an open Torah scroll. In the center of the scroll, an inscription blesses the child with a life fulfilled with Torah. Over the word "canopy" appears a Rabbi holding two goblets. The depiction of a wedding canopy includes four flags and a Star of David. The Star of David here alludes to the German "wedding stone" custom.
16.5x310 cm. Fair-good condition, the fabric has some holes, repairs and stains.
Originally from the collection of Heichal Shlomo Museum (1196 ה.ש. 8/1)