The motif of a portal shaped like a mihrab (a Muslim prayer niche) links this work to synagogue textiles made in the Ottoman Empire and influenced by Muslim prayer rugs. A history of repurposing may be detected in its details. The Star of David and Hebrew inscriptions were added later when the piece was converted for Jewish use. The upper band, reading, “May the Lord bless thee and keep thee” (Numbers 6:24), repeated twice, was embroidered over penciled floral decoration, some of it previously embroidered and later unstitched.

The Star of David has the familiar word “Zion” at center, and the letters within its six triangles spell “Shield of David.” Around the star are two abbreviated biblical inscriptions frequently found on amulets. Given the modest size of this textile, it may have been used either as a curtain for a small Torah ark or to cover a reader’s desk.