שויתי (Shiviti). 18th/19th century.
Department of Oriental and Judaica Collections, Cod. Heb. 46:5

Text shaped like a menorah (seven-branched candelabrum)

A shiviti (“I have set (the Lord before me)”, Ps. 16:8) – in the Sefardi culture also known as a mizrach (“east”) – is traditionally used as a help to concentrate in study and prayer. The text consists of different verses from the Bible and blessings, written in the form of a menorah (seven-branched candelabrum) which also evokes associations to the Tree of Life and its different roles within Jewish culture.

10.5 x 7 cm.

© Det Kongelige Bibliotek 2003