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Exhibit of the Month 3 / 2018
MEGILAT ESTHER (Scroll of Esther)
The biblical book of Esther written in Hebrew in the traditional form of a parchment scroll without illuminations, intended for reading in the synagogue during the services of the Jewish holiday of Purim. Compiled between the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, probably of Central European provenance (possibly Bohemia). It is a scroll of five strips sewn with coarse thread and rolled onto a wooden stick, written by a single scribe. Written in ink, in Hebrew Ashkenazi square script.
The scroll was purchased by the museum on August 16, 1892, from Israel Schwarze, a merchant from Most, for 2 Fl. (Florins). In 2012, a free conservation intervention was carried out in the restoration studio of Jana Náprstková at the National Museum in Prague. The scroll is located in the sub-collection of manuscripts of the library of the Regional Museum in Most,
p. o. under the signature 218/Ruk
The Holiday of Purim
The Jewish holiday celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar (March) in honor of Queen Esther, the beloved wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus, who saved the Jews from extermination.
The name Purim recalls the treacherous viceroy Haman, who orchestrated the extermination and his casting of lots to determine the day for the planned massacre. On this holiday, the Book of Esther is publicly read in the evening and in the morning. Whenever Haman's name is mentioned, adults and children stomp their feet and make noise with rattles to obliterate his memory.
It is a joyous holiday traditionally celebrated with a feast, playing Purim games, eating typical foods (such as Haman's ears), and sending treats to friends and gifts to the poor. For decades, public carnivals have been held in the State of Israel on Purim. The celebration of this holiday remains more relevant than ever and symbolizes the victory of good and love over evil and humanity over blindness and racism.