Handwashing, ritual cup

The presented cup was intended for ritual hand washing after finishing meals, before prayers, which is confirmed by the engraved inscription Al mayim achronim.

The cup is made of metal, with a conical body, a delicately curved edge of the spout and a protruding base. On the surface of the body, the inscription is engraved in two lines, surrounded by the outline of a cartouche. Simplified leaves are engraved on the two sides of the cartouche .

The object came to the family of the donor probably after the war, as a purchase at a Warsaw bazaar. For a long time, the object was not associated with Jewish tradition. Having realised its possible connection with Jewish history, the donor donated the mug to the Museum. The cup bears the signature of a goldsmith - Ick Ehrlich, who ran his workshop from 1885 at 18 Nalewki St. His factory dealt with the production of silver and bronze products, creating both utility and religious or decorative vessels.

The cup was intended for ritual hand washing, as indicated by the quotation on the vessel. During the ritual washing of hands it was necessary to pour water from the vessel over each hand separately. Such ablutions were performed in the morning, immediately after waking up, before saying blessings over bread and wine, before eating a meal or after a funeral ceremony and possible contact with the deceased. According to folk beliefs, the water after ablution was unclean and could be used to practice witchcraft.

Natalia Różańska