Mizrach sign ['mizrach' being the Hebrew word for 'east'], written in Hebrew. In the centre of the sign is written the phrase 'From this side is the spirit of life', with the four main initial letters of this sentence forming the word 'mizrach. To the left and right are written 'Esther daughter of Samuel the chazan' and 'Eliazar son of Benjamin' [referring to Esther Simons and husband Lewis Marks]. At the top left of the sign is a transcription of Exodus 20 verse 15, and at the top right of the sign is a transcription of Deuteronomy 5 verse 19, in between which verses are written the first two words of each of the Ten Commandments, and below which is transcribed Psalm 67. Foot of the sign bears a note that it was competed 1 Feb 1859. Manuscript.

Note: Such signs were traditionally displayed on an eastern wall in a private house or 'Bet Hamidrash' [Hebrew for prayer room] to indicate direction to face when praying, more commonly associated with Separdim ritual than Ashenazim ritual. Original context of item unknown. Article relating to this item written by David Lewis appeared in The Watchman, 22 Dec 2006