The Jewish world has long been held in fascination by both its own people and the world at large. The long life-span of Judaism - the oldest religion still practiced today -its monotheistic principle and strong moral character, the fact that it gave birth to both Christianity and Islam, and perhaps, above all, the stubborn survival of the Jewish people despite millenia of persecutions, pogroms and exiles have throughout time inspired feelings of awe, admiration, and love, but also, of envy and hatred.

What is it about this religion and the people who adhere to it that has carved for them such a unique place in the history of the world? Wherein lies the enigma of survival?

These far-reaching questions may be asked also of the objects which represent Jewish material culture. These objects, both ritual and secular, hold in themselves stories of survival and testify to the Jews' continuity as a people despite all perils. They also convey a spirit of optimism and hope, and a love of beauty in the face of hardship and persecution. They are worthy representatives of the people themselves.

The Judaica & Jewish Ethnography Wing is currently closed to the public due to the comprehensive program of renewal at the Israel Museum.

Jewish Bride San'a, Yemen, beginning 20th century Reconstruction made by Rabbanit Bracha Kapah and the Zadok family, Jerusalem		Costume of a Jewish woman Ethiopia, Recent		Spiceboxes
Birds' Head Haggadah Southern Germany, c. 1300 Scribe: Menahem Parchment, pen and ink, tempera; handwritten 47 leaves, 27 x 19 cm.		Torah scroll case Iran, 1973 Wood, velvet, silver repousse and glass beads Height: 107 cm (42 in)		Torah Mantle Mogador (?), Morocco, 1926 Velvet and silk, metallic and thread embroidery Height: 67 cm (26.5 in)
Costumes of a Jewish couple Kurdistan, Iraq Early 20th century		Sassoon Spanish Haggadah Spain, c 1320 Parchment, pen and ink, tempera and gold leaf Handwritten 21 x 16.5 cm (8.25 x 6.5 in)		Mezuzah Cases