Museum Archives
Two hundred artifacts from the Rhodes Jewish Historical Fdn. Collection have been transferred to the JCR with the Museum as its permanent depository. For inquiries about donating artifacts, email: info@rhodesjewishmuseum.org
Sample of Artifacts
“Megila”
This “megila” used for Purim was handmade in Rhodes on parchment. The opening title page indicates that it was written in 5622 (=1862) for Yitzhak Hasson, the son of Baruch Hasson. From the family of Murray Hasson of Hawaii.
Early 1900s Decorative Doilies of Kohaki Needlework
The 3 round doilies with the Star of David design were made using the “kohaki” needlework. These items would take several weeks to complete. From Liba Breger Feuerstein.
Embroideries “Bordados”
Early 1900s velvet pillowcase with embroidered gold-metal thread handmade in Rhodes by Perla Menashe Benoun.
Early 1900s runner embroidery decorated repeatedly with the word “Yerushalayim” handmade in Rhodes by Perla Menashe Benoun.
Embroidery of the “Sacrifice of Isaac” is a depiction of the religious episode where Abraham was tested to show his devotion to God by sacrificing his son Isaac. From the family of Selma Franco Jaffe.
“Baul”
The “Baul”, a wooden trousseau or chest was made in Rhodes during the 1930s. Typical of Rhodian chest, it is coated with a velvet fabric with bold floral design and is reinforced with sheet metal and wooden slats. This one was brought to the United States in 1936 by Salva Alcana Levy. From Leon Levy of Rancho Mirage.
Perfume Container
This is a brass container for fragrant oils and waters often used at the end of the day of Yom Kippur to dispense the sweet smell of “agua de flor” to refresh the stamina of a long day of prayer services. This was part of the trousseau of “Hermana” Miriam Hasson Levy in 1926. From Sylvia Levy Aboulafia.
“Kucharera”
The “Kucharera” and 2 containers for “dulses” are made of silver. These were used to hold the spoons & forks and to serve the sweets for special gatherings such as holidays, birth celebrations, and engagement parties. From the family of Victoria Hasson, as part of her trousseau by her mother, Rahel Tarica.
“Talit” Bag
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
The medal was given to Bension Menasche bestowing him with the title of “Cavaliere della Corona d’Italia” for his commercial achievements at the Alhadeff Bank.
Salomon Alhadeff Figli Penknife
Penknife with the engraving “Salomon Alhadeff Figli- Rodi” on one side and “Case Fondata Nel 1819” on the reverse side. From Liba Breger Feuerstein.
“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.
Tefillin
These 2 small boxes contain Biblical verses that were used for religious prayer. They are worn on the left arm and around the head, attached with leather straps. These belonged to Israel Behor Hasson. From Ted (Israel) Hasson.
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.
19th Century Woman’s Belt Buckle
This belt buckle was part of the trousseau of Selma Levy Mizrahi and was used to accessorize women’s costumes during Purim. From Stella Levi.
“Takos”
The Mikva clogs decorated with inlaid mother of pearl was worn by the new bride at the ceremony of her ritual bath (el banyo de novia). Bottom: a pair of high-heeled clogs, made from olive wood with leather straps. From Selma Franco Jaffe.
Jewish Costumes from Rhodes
These early 20th century original costumes were from the family of Bellina (nee Hasson) Gold of Los Angeles. 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. The man’s garment on the left, is known as an “entari”, had an open front which was tied closed around the waist. It was made of a two-colored striped silk fabric. The woman’s garment on the right, was made from a mauve-colored taffeta fabric with thin vertical turquoise pinstripes and top-stitched scalloped trim.
These artifacts are so beautiful! Eliakim & I were on Rhodos in 2014 for the 70th Memorial of the Deportation. His paternal grandparents, Yeshua Eliakim and Rachel nee Hasson, were amongst the victims. It was an unforgetable experience to be at this Memorial, not least because right at the moment this was being remembered, another attempt to destroy the Jewish People was being directed at the State of Israel. Of course the difference was, that this time our fellow Jews were not going to be passive victims …We had just come from Israel and were returning there, before going back… Read more »
I just came back from Rhodes where I attended the Commemoration of the 70 years of the Deportation of the Jewish community from Rhodes. I am the niece of Sara (Menasce)and Violette Maio (Fintz)who were Auschwitz survivors. It was an unbelievable experience. I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all those who have recovered the Judería and the synagogue, and especially the beautiful Museum.
Fascinating website and a glimpse into a vanishing culture. Valuable resource. Thank you!
just returned from rhodes and was thrilled to see the wonderful work done on the museum and office. keep up the wonderful project.
You’ve done a great job. Your website evokes many long lost feelings of things past. I love historical things, especially clothing (my mother was a very well known seamstress (shastra) Regina Notrica Hanan from Rhodes), but it would be nice to see a year attached to these wonderful costumes. What can you tell me about the age of the clothing. Thank you, Sylvia
I plan a trip to Rhodes in November and would like some information about any connection my immediate family might have to the Hassons on Rhodes. I grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, USA and my grandfather came to Alabama in the early 1900’s I believe from Jerusalem. His name was Jacob Hasson. I don’t know details beyond that. I look forward to my visit.