Since 1997, the Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation has accumulated an extraordinary amount of original artifacts from Rhodes from various sources from around the world. The Jewish Museum of Rhodes is displaying these unique items now at the museum. Here is a sample of the many artifacts on display.
This “Kucharera” is made of silver and was used for holding the spoons and forks that served sweets (“dulses”). This was used for all special gatherings including holidays, birth celebrations and engagement parties. This was given to Victoria Hasson as part of her trousseau by her mother, Rahel Tarica.
This embroidered bag holds the “talit” (prayer shawl). It is made of a purple material decorated with metallic thread with a leaf and floral design. Attached to the opening of the case are two multi-colored ornamental tassels. It belonged to Sam Eliakim Piha and is from the family of Janine Eskenazi Hasson.
1925 Medal of Honor:
Given to Bension Menasche bestowing him with the title of “Cavaliere della Corona d’Italia” for his commercial achievements at the Alhadeff Bank.
“Tsit-Tsit” (Tallit Katan):
This religious garment was worn underneath the clothes. This was brought from Rhodes to the United States by Robert Benveniste in 1915. From Eleanor Benveniste Moscatel.
Stamp of “di razza ebraica” & 1943 ID Card:
This is the actual stamp used by the Italians to recognize, and to discriminate against, a person’s Jewish heritage. It was used on legal documents as well as Identification Cards, like this one belonging to Lucia Turiel Capelluto.
Rabbinical College Booklet:
This 61 page booklet describes how the Rabbinical College was founded in Rhodes in 1928. It contains biographies of the Professors as well as detailing the curriculum for graduation. From Liba Breger Feuerstein, the daughter of Rabbi Breger of the Rabbinical College.
Jewish Costumes From Rhodes on Display
These original costumes are from the family of Bellina Hasson Gold and donated to the Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation. Bellina was born in Rhodes in 1916 and immigrated to the United States in 1930. She was the daughter of Haim Hasson and Mazaltov Levi.
This garment, known as an “antari”, had an open front which was tied closed around the waist. It is made of a two colored striped silk fabric.
This garment was made from a mauve colored taffeta fabric with thin vertical turquoise pin-stripes. A scalloped trim has been top-stitched on the side slits, front and bottom hems.