The Jewish Museum of New York was the heaviest purchaser here this weekend at a public auction of the Michael M. Zagayski collection of rare Jewish ritual objects. The auction, which was held at the Parke-Bernet Galleries here, brought a total of $347,640. Mr. Zagayski is known as one of the outstanding collectors of rare Jewish religious art.
Ben Heller, chairman of the board of the Jewish Museum, said that the purchase, which totaled $33,000, was financed by friends of the museum. Among the items acquired were a cast bronze “cholent” pot (used for the preparation of the traditional Sabbath meal) for $4,500; a pair of wrought and repousse silver Torah finials for $9,500; a pair of wrought and gilded silver Toran finials for $5,000; a pair of parcel-guilded Ajoure silver crown-form Torah finials for $8,000; and a wrought and repousse parcel-gilded silver Hanukah menorah for $6,500.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.