Antique chandelier with 8 light points in the shape of a Jewish star, also called "Shabbat lamp" or Judenstern in German. Bronze. Germany, XIX century

The Shabbat lamp belongs to ritual objects. This is a chandelier made of bronze, copper or tin, a multi-tiered or three-barreled candelabrum. This lamp is called Shabbes in Yiddish. This chandelier is lit to celebrate Shabbat. This lamp appeared in the Middle Ages, but its peak was in the 19th century. It is found in all countries bordering the Rhine. Placed above the table, it is lit on Friday night at sunset by the hostess, who puts her hands together to feel the heat of the fire and closes her eyes before reading the blessing.