The ROM’s Judaica collection

A railway man's pocket watch with Hebrew letters from early 20th-century Germany. ROM PHOTO

The Royal Ontario Museum on May 16 marked the publication of its latest catalogue, Judaica, The Dr. Fred Weinberg and Joy Cherry Weinberg Collection.

The catalogue highlights examples from the Weinberg collection, which includes ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles and works on paper, with some objects dating from the 18th century.

Some two dozen new artifacts have been added to the collection, which has been exhibited since 2000 in the museum’s Dr. Fred Weinberg and Joy Cherry Weinberg Gallery.

Here’s a sampling:

Ewer: This ewer, or jug, also a recent addition to the Weinberg collection, dates from about 1867 in Lorraine, France. It depicts a 17th century Dutch tavern scene.

Embroidery Sampler: A new addition to the collection, this linen embroidery sampler originated in Germany and dates from 1855. In Jewish homes, the samplers, made by mothers and their daughters, included the embroidering of alphabets in a variety of styles and forms, with an emphasis on reproducing Hebrew letters.

Candlesticks: Also a new addition, these silver Sabbath candlesticks date from 19th century Warsaw.

Mezuzah: This limited edition Chagall mezuzah shows a youthful David slaying Goliath and the bearded King David. These mezuzot are used as diplomatic gifts from the State of Israel to visiting heads of state.