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Belief and Ritual

The Jewish faith dates back nearly 4000 years. This collection theme looks at how the beliefs, rituals, principles and traditions of Judaism have been formed and applied over many years and within many different regions and communities.

This area of the collection is constituted by both contemporary and historical ceremonial objects, texts and textiles. These items are used in the rituals that define Judaism, and they allow a rich insight into how Jewish culture and religion influence the way people eat and dress as well as how key life-cycle events such as weddings, births and deaths are marked.

This collection narrative also looks at how Jewish rituals have changed over time and how such practices may reflect different cultural backgrounds, world communities or degrees of orthodoxy. The different versions or strands of Judaism that make up our Australian Jewish community are represented by the many varied ritual objects that make up this part of the collection.

Highlights

Pidyon Haben coins

1970, 1973 and 1975, Israel
Silver, metal alloy, various sizes
Donated by Dr Henry Taub
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 150
View in the collection here

Charity box

Victoria, 1918
Tin and wood, 7.5 x 14 x 7 cm
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 394
View in the collection here

Six Cabala Amulets

Iran
Steatite and Agate, various sizes
Donated by Dr Albert Simon
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 1398
View in the collection here

Kippah

Australia, 1991
Cotton, 2 x 17.5 cm
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 1605
View in the collection here

Tefillin and bag

circa early 20th century, Russia
Tin and leather, 235 x 150mm
Donated by My Ricky Nonak
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 1860.3
View in the collection here

Tin of kosher chicken seals

c.1920
Tin and lead, 2.5 x 10 x 5 cm
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 2224
View in the collection here

Circumcision Compendium

19th century
Silver, metal alloy and wood, 280 x 122 x 40mm
Donated by the Goldschlager family
Jewish Museum of Australia Collection 6224.4
View in the collection here