In order to help facilitate, promote and maintain the growth of our institutions on Mount Zion, to protect and guarantee the Historical Jewish Ownership of this Holy place and bring back the dignity and glory of king David it has now been deemed necessary to sell the above mentioned one of a kind artifacts.
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In Search of Mt. Zion - A film in the making click here for detail
The pre-state CEREMONIAL COVER from KING DAVID’S TOMB
This priceless one of a kind tapestry extends the Blessing of “LIFE.” (This tapestry measuring seven and a half ft. by fifteen ft. could be used as the worlds most exclusive “Chuppa” wedding canopy)
WHY THE FLORAL DESIGN ON THE TOMB COVER?
King David is the descendant of Ruth, a convert to Judaism. King David was born and also died on the Jewish Holiday of Shavuot. This holiday is also called the Feast of the Harvest as well as the Day of the First Fruits. Our Rabbis tell us that G-d judges the trees and its fruits on this holiday. Thus it is an agricultural festival in addition to being the festival of the giving of the Torah from Mount Sinai.
Reminiscent of the slopes of Mount Sinai, which was covered by greenery, it is customary to decorate our synagogues, especially the Holy Ark, with fragrant branches and flowers. This custom dates back thousands of years. Flowers gladden the heart. What better or more appropriate way for us to adorn our beloved David's tomb.
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Rothschilds Aubusson 7.5' x 15'
One of a kind: Approx. mid to late 1800's
Made of Wool - backed in Linen
King David's Tomb Pre-State picture post card.
KING DAVID’S TOMB LEGENDRY “TZEDDAKAH” CHARITY BOX
This precious, priceless and legendry “Tzeddakah” box is one of a kind. It is often referred to as being “Magical” and “Mystical”. This unique and history laden box extends the Blessing of “Hatzlacha” “Financial Success” in all your worthy undertakings and endeavors.
Remains of King's David's Tomb 200 year old Charity box.
During the 19th century under the control of the Islamic WAQF, Jews were allowed to enter the tomb complex only after making a payment. This heavy and legendary charity box of two centuries was affixed and bolted to the left of the entrance to King David’s Tomb. As it aged, metal straps must have been affixed to strengthen its structure. After many years in place the bottom started to rot and eventually gave way. In the late 1960’s when it was no longer functional, it was removed and placed above the well in the court yard adjacent to the back door entrance to the Sephardic Synagogue and King David's tomb. This same court yard is the base of the steps that lead up to the room of the Last Supper. In addition, the room of the Bar T'nura aprox. 550 years ago and some of the Diaspora Yeshiva's class rooms as well as the Mount Zion Succa all are part of this court yard complex. There it was used as an ornament until it was discarded and placed in the King David Museum in the early 1970’s.
Measurements: Width 18" Height 29" Front 24"
*(Please note: the wood and construction of the 19th century door is the same as the inside of the charity box).
*The niche at the entrance to King David's tomb where the 200 year old charity box was affixed.
*The familiar and simple charity box used in the tomb that most people remember.
Mt. Zion and King David's Tomb Visitor's guide
Welcome to Mt. Zion!
You have now entered the holy site of Mt Zion. The structures you see about are built upon foundations that go back to biblical times. The atmosphere in this place resonates with the love of Torah and Fear of Hashem. The spirit and personality of King David can be sensed all around. Visitors can feel his humility, his humanity, his joy and his towering faith, which made him G-d's anointed one. King David united the Jewish People. He built Jerusalem and the foundation of our Holy Temple. King David the author of the psalms which sings of the eternal yearning the Jewish People for G-d and His redemption
King David's Tomb
For more than a thousand years Jewish tradition has identified Mount Zion as being the last resting place of King David and his descendants, the Kings of Judah.
The fearless Jewish traveler, Benjamin of Tudela, traveled from his native Spain to visit Jerusalem in the twelfth century. His chronicles tell the story of how the King David's Tomb and the other royal graves were discovered.
During the Muslim occupation of Jerusalem, Jews and other Non-Muslims were denied access to the Tomb, and had to be content with praying in the rooms above the tomb. During the British Mandate, the British authorities permitted the Jews to pray in the Tomb on the Holiday of Shavuot. Shavuot, in addition to being the day on which the Torah was given, is also the traditional anniversary of King David's passing as well as of his birth.
After the War of Independence in 1948, Mount Zion was in the Israeli section of Jerusalem and the Royal Tomb became a focal point of Jewish pilgrimage. Once again the prayers of all worshippers could be freely offered at this most revered site.
The Monument
You are now standing in the presence of a huge stone monument, hewn of a single piece of black Granite. It blocks the way to the cave wherein King David lies buried. You will notice that the top of the monument is adorned with Torah Crowns. These have been contributed over the many years by the worshippers who have prayed in this Holy Place. The crowns symbolize not only King David's rule, but the authority of the Torah through which King David Rules. The King is empowered by the Torah and rules through its power, not through his own might. This explains why King David was born and died on Shavuot. His entire identity is imbued with the Torah he loved, taught and implemented among all the tribes of Israel.
The Floral Design on the 19 th Century Monument Cover
This monument was once covered by a beautiful tapestry emblazoned with a delicate floral pattern. This cover was donated by Baron Edmond de Rothschild (1845-1934) on one of his many visits to the Tomb of David on Holy Mount Zion. He must have given much thought as to the most appropriate gift to bequeath in memory of our Holy and Revered king. He decided that there is no more appropriate way to adorn our beloved King David's Tomb than with a unique colorful tapestry, a one of a kind artifact that would add dignity and glory to the Tomb. The tapestry was adorned to overflowing with a flowers, and most notably, roses.
The Factors that may have Influenced Baron Rothschild's Decision?
Let us remember that Shavuot, one of the three pilgrimage festivals, is the anniversary of King David's birth and death. Shavuot is the time when the Jews received and accepted G-d's Torah, the essence of life. Mount Sinai, the Torah Mountain, was fully covered with greenery, fragrant flowers and trees, in stark contrast to the desolation of the surrounding area. In memory of this miracle, it is customary to decorate our Synagogues and especially the Holy Ark with branches and fragrant flowers. These beautiful floral arrangements add to our joy and happiness. They bring beauty and serenity, and creating a mood without using word, as we pray for our fruit trees and their produce. These floral arrangements also influence our social behavior in a positive manner and strengthen our connection to the creator. Our hearts are gladdened because we were chosen to be the guiding light unto the nations of the world. Our renewed acceptance of the Torah never ceases, and each day we embrace the Torah as if for the first time. The holiday of Shavuot is also called the Feast of the Harvest as well as the Day of the First Fruits. Our Rabbis tell us that G-d judges the trees and its fruits on this holiday. The day of receiving the Torah is intimately connected to agriculture in the Land of Israel. Just as people flower and grow through following the Torah's teachings, so too, the land of Israel grows and flowers because of the Divine presence that resides there.
In light of this explanation of the Festival of Shavuot, it is no wonder that a floral pattern was chosen as a fitting cover for the monument of King David's tomb.
The Roses on the Tapestry Covering the Monument of King David's Tomb
In Exodus chapter 25:31 G-d commands Moses concerning the construction of the original candelabrum, Menorah. The Menorah symbolizes how G-d's kingdom illuminates, embraces and encompasses the entire world. This Holy and Sacred Menorah had to be made from a single block of gold. The Menorah was adorned with flowers, which were hammered out of the same gold block. They could not be fashioned separately and then welded to the Menorah. Our sages of old asked: what form were these flowers to assume? The Sages answered. "Of all the flowers that G-d created, He chose the beautiful, fragrant, serene and romantic rose to be an integral part of His sacred Menorah". The Rose symbolizes the love that we feel for G-d and which G-d feels for us. When you become a part of G-d's Kingdom, you feel this wonderful love. Since King David is the foundation of G-d's Kingdom, it is appropriate that his Tomb be adorned with Roses.
Gifts and Charity in memory of King David
Pilgrims to this holy place have always been careful not to visit it empty handed. We come here to receive divine blessings, and these cannot be manifest except through the spirit of charity. G-d blesses those who bring spiritual and physical gifts. When we return to our homes we bring the merit of King David with us into our lives where it creates an atmosphere of joy and tranquility.
"Abundant blessings unto all those who express a sincere desire and interest in obtaining these sacred and holy artifacts. May you have fulfillment of all your aspirations and worthy endeavors. Blessings from Mount Zion and
from King David." Rabbi Goldstein ( rabbigg@gmail.com )
Eric R. Sanders, Chief Researcher
Eric R. Sanders, a dedicated and conscientious person who gave his entire heart and soul to enhance the collection, thus making the Mount Zion artifact project a success. His perseverance made a profound difference. His unyielding efforts are most appreciated and valued. A true friend to our institution. Wishing him much success in all his worthy endeavors
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