The Jerusalem Heritage Fulfilling Cup

#F-5
1995, US patent
Sterling silver, Gold plate.
Height 32cm, Diameter 32cm
Limited edition, signed and numbered by the artist

The Jerusalem Heritage Fulfilling cup for the ritual blessing over the Sabbath wine tells the story of Jerusalem’s 3000-year legacy. The work has two tiers. On the upper level is the primary kiddush cup, which is composed of three harps, symbolic of King David, founder of Jerusalem. On the lower tier are eight arches, which represent the eight gates of Jerusalem. Each gate is adorned with a smaller silver cup embossed with a gold medallion. The medallions represent various conquerors of the ancient city over the past centuries. An interconnecting set of funnels forms a distribution system for the poured wine. As the blessed Sabbath wine runs from the base of the primary cup to the smaller cups, the Jerusalem Heritage Cup becomes both a vessel for the holy ritual and a reminder of the blood that has been spilled in the conquests of Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Heritage Cup is not only a tribute to Jerusalem’s past but also to its future. Seven of the sections are reminders of its history, but the eighth arch is the gate of the future. It is through this gate of mercy that the Messiah will enter Jerusalem. Upon this cup is a menorah, the symbol of the Third Temple, and a dove with an olive branch, the symbol of the peace that will prevail during the Messianic Era. Each work is signed and numbered by the artist and is available in a limited edition.