Bidspirit auction | Torah Case – ”Shawam” Synagogue

Torah Case – ”Shawam” Synagogue of the Damascus Community in Beirut, 1891-1910 - Torah case. Beirut and Damascus, dedication inscriptions dated 1891 and 1910. Wood; silver sheet, repoussé and engraved; ink and paint on paper; velvet and satin; without Torah scroll. Cylindrical case in the characteristic shape of Near Eastern Torah cases (Iraq and the environs), surmounted by a conical finial with a pear-shaped dome. Coated in red velvet affixed with repoussé silver sheet plaques, bearing vegetal designs and a detailed dedicatory inscription. Upper silver band reads: ”The silver of this case was donated by the esteemed woman, Mrs. Leah, wife of the philanthropist...”, and continues on two plaques:  ”R. Rachamim Ma'aravi for the beit midrash of the Ahiezer society / may it be a merit for the soul / of her daughter… Simcha / of blessed memory, daughter of / R. Rachamim Ma'aravi / who passed away on the 11th of Tishrei / 1910…”. Another inscription appears inside the case, on a paper plaque protected under glass: ”This case and the Torah scroll within / were purchased by the members of the Damascus congregation / known as the Midrash Shawam / in the city of Beirut, [1891]”. Midrash Shawam was the Damascene synagogue in Beirut, also known as Kanis al-Shawam (documented on the CaErez BaLevanon website). Height: 99 cm. Diameter: 31 cm. Overall good condition. Some wear to velvet covering. Some wear and minor defects to interior, especially to inner fabric lining; possibly missing a second glass-covered inscription. The copper finial may be a later addition. Clasp missing. Documented by the Center for Jewish Art (CJA) in a synagogue in Bat Yam, 1988. See CJA, item 12893 (and item 12892).