Judaica – “Gavia” Chalice w/Saucer – Sterling Silver

Description

Design DAVID PALTERER                                                                                                                                                                Height 8,66 inch

The Gavia is a gift from the Jewish Community of Rome to Pope Francis on the occasion of his visit on 7th Shevat 5776 (January 17th, 2016)

The chalice is supported by a long stem, tapered toward its base, alluding to alchemical properties. While the stem appears fragile, a lead counterweight runs through its interior, ensuring balance by concentrating its weight at the base.                                                                                                                                                                                                      The lead recalls an anniversary observed exclusively by the Jewish Community of Rome commemorating the second day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, which corresponds to dates in January and February of the Gregorian calendar. The holiday keeps alive the memory of the day, in 1793, when a clear sky unexpectedly became leaden, raining heavily upon and dispersing a crowd intent on harming the citizens of the Ghetto. This is the Lead Moed (holiday in Hebrew) still remembered and celebrated by the Roman Community.