(22 1/2 x 17 1/4 in.; 575 x 440 mm). Framed.

This needlepoint is a mizrah designed to be hung on the eastern wall of a home or synagogue to indicate the proper orientation for prayer. The tradition of facing east towards the site of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during prayer has biblical origins beginning in the times of King Solomon and remains the custom of Jews around the world to this day. The present mizrah was created by Golda Grünbaum and inscribed with traditional texts taken from both biblical and rabbinic sources. It was further embellished with the Tree of Life, lions, deer, and roosters – floral and animal imagery often employed in the decoration of Judaica silver work, plaques, and textiles.