Size: 23 cm X 11.5 cm / 9" X 4.5"
This wonderful wall decoration is as full of beauty as it is of meaning. It is inspired by an amulet from Italy, 1716-1750.
The amulet is somewhat reminiscent of an Italian Hanukkah lamp of the previous century. The pillars and archway symbolize the Temple or synagogue, and the enscription it encloses is the Priestly Blessing, intoned daily in the synagogue:
Yevarechecha Hashem Veyishmerecha, Yaer Hashem Panav Elecha Vichuneka, Yisa Hashem Panav Elecha Veyasem Lecha Shalom ("May Hashem (The Lord) bless you and guard you . . .") (Numbers 6:24-26).
Every word of this powerful phrase contains a world of meaning.
Variants of the seven-branched menorah are also a popular Jewish decorative motif.
Israel Museum, Jerusalem