CIRCUMCISION
BOOK AND KNIFE
Prayer book for the Mohel
Scribe: Judah Leib ben Samson Segal
Dusseldorf, 1744
Ink, colors, gold, on vellum; tooled leather binding
This hand-written book is based on a work by Rabbi David Lida (Rabbi David ben
Aryeh Leib of Lida) printed in Amsterdam in the seventeenth century. Beautiful
handwritten books with hand- painted illustrations continued to be made even
though printed versions were available. While the mohel (circumciser)
would have been familiar with the prayers, there is a requirement that they
be read. All these prayers relate to the duties of the circumciser. The Grace
after Meals appears because there is always a festive meal after the rite. And
since the circumciser might be obliged to travel to the family of the newborn
male child, there are the prayers for travelers. The image shown here is of
a circumcision ceremony taking place in a synagogue. The infant is placed on
the lap of the sandek (godfather) while the mohel performs the circumcision.
Circumcision Knife and Sheath
Italy, early 18th century
Agate, silver, coral; steel blade; paper and leather case
The elegant proportions and the use of fine silver filigree, as well as the
coral bead finial, suggests an Italian origin for this knife. The coral bead
was believed to hold amuletic power.
Bequest of Judge Irving Lehman, 1945
