Small whip for flagellation in the synagogue on the eve of Yom Kippur. Apparently made of calfskin strap. Europe, 19th century.
The custom of flagellation on the eve of Yom Kippur using a strap made of calfskin alludes to the verse in Isaiah: “The ox knows its owner… but Israel does not know”. The whip before us was specially made for this purpose, as it is relatively short compared to a standard whip (only about 40 cm), and the leather strap is thin. At the end of the strap, a piece of parchment is tied, also with a delicate texture, so as not to cause severe pain.
Flagellation on the eve of Yom Kippur is an ancient Jewish custom, practiced primarily in Ashkenazi and Eastern European communities, and to some extent also among certain Sephardic communities. The purpose of the flagellation was atonement for sins, as a form of spiritual preparation for the holy day. On the eve of Yom Kippur, Jews would gather in the synagogue or a designated place. The recipient of the lashes would kneel with his face toward the north, while the one administering the lashes would strike his back 39 light lashes in thirteen “cycles”: one strike on the right shoulder, one on the left shoulder, and one in the center of the back. With each strike, the one performing the lashes would recite one word from the verse: “וְהוּא רַחוּם יְכַפֵּר עָוֹן וְלֹא יַשְׁחִית, וְהִרְבָּה לְהָשִׁיב אַפּוֹ, וְלֹא יָעִיר כָּל חֲמָתוֹ”(Psalms 78:38). The verse is recited three times over the course of the flagellation. The act was symbolic, not intended to cause pain, but to arouse remorse and inspire repentance. The custom is mentioned by Maharam of Rothenburg (Germany, 13th century), and also by other halakhic authorities such as the Rosh, the Rema, the Kol Bo (section 68), the Siddur of Rashi, the Rosh on tractate Yoma, and more.
Length: 43 cm. Very good condition.
