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Aliyah Auction Sign

To raise operating funds for the synagogue, some congregations auctioned off aliyot (literally, "going up"), the honor of standing at the bimah (podium) and reciting prayers over the Torah.

Place of origin: Hungary

Audio transcript:

The honor of going up to the bimah and reciting a blessing over the Torah is called an aliyah. Congregants are called upon for the aliyot based on various reasons and in some congregations, the aliyot is used as a fundraiser.

This aliyah auction sign comes from Hungary, where the concept of auctioning off aliyot to raise funds for the congregation began in 1859. This particular auction sign was dedicated to the synagogue by David Wolf Grosvardin.

The...

Early 20th century
Brass, wood, paper
11.0 x 8.5 x 5.0 in
K_0290
Image and text © The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah, 2020

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