728 PROCHEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. VOL. XXXIV. 
tached to the reading of the Book of Esther, which takes place during 
the services of the Feast of Purim, and is celebrated on the 15th of 
Adar (March-April) to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews of 
Persia from the machinations of Haman. For this purpose a parch- 
ment scroll, written in the same manner as the Pentateuch (see The 
Torah Scroll, p. 706), is used. The reading takes place from the same 
desk as that of the Torah, and is preceded and followed by a benedic- 
tion. At certain passages the congregation joins in, reciting them 
before the public reader. The Book of Esther is therefore known as 
the roll (megillah). Another feature of the feast of Esther or Purim 
is the presenting of gifts to friends and the poor. Height of scroll, 
S§ inches. (Plate XCVI, fig. 1, Cat. No. 154592, U.S.N.M.) 
Lent by Hadji Ephraim Benguiat. 
119. Rou or tHe Boox or Ksrurr.—Parchment scroll inserted in a 
revolving silver case. Written in Smyrna, Asia Minor, in the 
eighteenth century. ‘The case was once in possession of the Jews of 
Granada, Spain. Height of scroll, 8 inches. Plate XCVI, fig. 
2; Cat. No: 154592”, U.S.N.M.) 
Lent by Hadji Ephraim Benguiat. 
120. Rowt or tHe Boox or EsrHer.—Written in columns of eight 
lines and about an inch wide, on a scroll of vellum seven-eighths of 
an inch wide, and inserted in a hexagonal revolving silver case, sur- 
mounted by a cupola, from which rises a crescent and star, the emblem 
of the Mohammedan peoples. Height of case, 14 inches; diameter, 
1 inch.» Made in Fez, Morocco. (Plate XCVI, fig. 3, Cat. No. 
158347, U.S.N.M.) 
Lent by Hadji Ephraim Benguiat. 
121. BeNEDICTIONS RECITED AT THE READING OF THE MrcinLan.— 
Manuscript, written on leather. Measurements, 74 by 5 inches. (Cat. 
No. 158464, U.S.N.M.) : 
122. Boox or EsruHpr.—Manuscript, written on parchment. The 
columns of the text are divided by columns in pen and ink drawing. 
The margins on top and at bottom are illuminated, likewise in pen 
and ink drawings, with floral designs and scenes illustrating the 
events narrated in the book. Height, 10 inches. (Cat. No. 3634, 
U.S.N.M.) 
Lent by Hadji Ephraim Benguiat. 
123. SILVER CASE FOR THE Book or EstrHEer.—With designs of vases 
and flowers in hammered work. Height, 134 inches. (Cat. No. 3635, 
U.S.N.M.) ea 
Lent by Hadji Ephraim Benguiat. 
124. Manuscrrer or tur Boox or Esrumr.—lInserted into a case of 
olive wood carved with a representation of the Temple. Made in 
Jerusalem. Height, 8 inches. (Cat. No. 134763, U.S.N.M.). 
Lent by Mr, David Sulzberger. 
