Wall Memorial Light (Kas / Kas D'syil)

One of the more moving items in my collection of Jewish objects of beauty is a Wall Memorial Light, from North Africa, dated to the first half of the 20th century.

A Wall Memorial Light (Kas / Kas D'syil) is designed for hanging on the synagogue wall, for the resting of the deceased.

The Memorial Light shown here consists of a lattice-work rear panel topped by three lily-like flowers. The rear panel also contains a hanging loop. Attached to the rear panel is a handle ending with a ring for holding the oil cup. The cup is made of amber-colored glass.

According to tradition, the memorial light was given to the synagogue at the end of the year of mourning. Until that time, the memorial light hung in the home of the deceased and was lit mainly on Sabbaths and holidays. In this sense, the memorial lights served as a ritual object which functioned both at home and in the synagogue.