Torah Shield

The process of ritual purification of a dead body, known as taharah, involves careful cleaning of the corpse. Prior to being dressed in a white cotton shroud, the body of the deceased is washed, the…

Musicians on ritual stand, Ashdod, late 11th or early 10th century BCE. Music and dance played an important role in Israel and the ancient Near East in both daily life and special occasions such as…

Schatz, a founder of the Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts, painted this self-portrait around the time the school was temporarily forced to close because of a lack of funds. He has depicted himself in…