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The Search for Leavened Bread ( L Examen du Levain )
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The Search for Leavened Bread ( L Examen du Levain )
695005 The Search for Leavened Bread ( L Examen du Levain ), 1723 (engraving) by Picart, Bernard (1673-1733); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration depicts the mistress of the house preparing for the feast of Passover by placing crumbs of leavened bread (hamets) in corners of the home; these are collected by her husband and will be burnt; only unleavened bread (matzo) can be eaten during Passover; from the first volume of Ceremonies et Coutumes Religieuses de tous les peuples du monde by A. Moubach, published in Amsterdam between 1723 and 1743; Amsterdam was the centre of the thriving Dutch Jewish community from the 16th century onwards and consisted initially of Marranos and Sephardim who had been expelled from Spain and Portugal; later a large Ashkenazi community developed; ); French, out of copyright
Media ID 23228328
© Bridgeman Images
Bread Customs Passover Search Searching Test Jews Juive Sephardim
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The Search for Leavened Bread (L'Examen du Levain)
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating engraving by Bernard Picart that offers a glimpse into the customs and traditions of the Jewish community during Passover. The image showcases the meticulous preparations undertaken by the mistress of the house as she places crumbs of leavened bread, known as hamets, in corners of her home. This act symbolizes the removal of all traces of leavened bread from their midst, as only unleavened bread or matzo can be consumed during this sacred festival. The husband is depicted collecting these crumbs to be burnt later, signifying the commitment to observing Passover with utmost sincerity. The illustration is part of "Ceremonies et Coutumes Religieuses de tous les peuples du monde" a comprehensive volume documenting religious practices worldwide. Amsterdam, where this publication was produced between 1723 and 1743, served as a significant hub for Dutch Jewry. Initially comprising Marranos and Sephardim expelled from Spain and Portugal, it later welcomed a thriving Ashkenazi community. This engraving sheds light on an essential aspect of Jewish family life and religious devotion within this vibrant cultural context. Picart's attention to detail captures not just the physical act but also conveys deep spiritual significance associated with this tradition. "The Search for Leavened Bread" serves as both an artistic masterpiece and an invaluable historical record that allows us to appreciate diverse customs while celebrating shared human experiences across cultures.
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