Bernice and Henry Tumen collection

Collection

Identifier: 11-MWalB02690

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists primarily of Jewish ceremonial objects: kiddush cups, spice boxes, candlesticks, menorahs, torah bindings, breastplates, rimonim, yadayim, as well as megillot, amulets, and mezuzot originally produced in Europe, the Near East, North Africa, and America. The collection contains pieces from the 2nd-3rd century, but principally showcases 19th-20th century artifacts. The Tumen gift also includes a collection of rare Israeli coins and books on Judaica and Jewish ceremonials.

Dates

Creation: 2nd - 20th century
Creation: Majority of material found in 19th - 20th century
Other: Date acquired: 1981-11-21

Conditions Governing Access

Access to the collection is in accordance with the policies of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University. Please contact the department for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests to reproduce or publish material from the collection should be directed to the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Tumen collection of Jewish ceremonial objects of the home and synagogue had been assembled over many years by Dr. Henry J. Tumen and Bernice Tumen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Tumen (d. 1994) was a gastroenterologist, professor of Medicine, and the Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the Graduate School of Medicine and Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The present collection was gifted to the Brandeis University Rose Art Museum in 1981. In 1983, a public dedication was held at the University and a permenant installation showcasing pieces of the collection was unveiled in Goldfarb Library just outside the Judaica rooms. Currently, the installation rotates pieces of the Tumen collection to allow students, faculty, and library patrons to view the many intricate and interesting Jewish ceremonial objects.

Extent

177.00 Items

Language of Materials

No linguistic content; Not applicable

Additional Description

Arrangement

These materials are arranged individually in numbered boxes. For more information about each series, please consult the series descriptions in the box and folder listing.