Torah Ark Curtain

Temerl bat Hirsch Perlhefter

1685/6

Cloth embroidered with floral border, Hebrew text across the top, and repeating motif in center.
Made in Prague, this Torah ark curtain is exquisitely ornamented with embroidery of silk, silk velvet, and metallic thread. Set against a vivid red background, its borders and central panel are decorated with elaborate designs. The Hebrew inscription announces that the curtain was the gift of Yitsḥak Kohen Popers, son of the cantor Lipman Popers and his wife Temerl, daughter of Hirsch Perlhefter, to celebrate “the work of her hands.”

Credits

With permission of the Jewish Museum in Prague.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 5.

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Creator Bio

Temerl bat Hirsch Perlhefter

17th Century

Temerl, wife of Yitsḥak Kohen Popers and daughter of Hirsch Perlhefter, was an embroiderer. The Popers (Poppers) and Perlhefters were prominent families in the Jewish community of Prague.

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