Name/Title
3D American Greetings Card (Bema, Torah Ark)Entry/Object ID
22145ADescription
This greeting card is a highly elaborate, three-dimensional die-cut construction, designed to depict a family gathering for Rosh Hashanah and overall, a celebration of Jewish tradition. The central image features rabbis reading a sacred text to a child, with overarching architectural motifs that are reminiscent of the Bema.The card is intricately designed with gold details, including architectural elements like columns and arches. The card is embellished with blue and gold floral and architectural details, including a balustrade, lanterns, and a Stars of David. The card also features pink paper honeycomb decorations that fold out for a 3D effect.Context
American Greetings Corporation began as a one-man card-jobbing business founded in 1906 by JACOB SAPIRSTEIN, a recent immigrant and son of a Polish rabbi. By 1993 it was the world's largest publicly owned manufacturer and distributor of greeting cards. The use of die-cutting and layered construction of this card was popular in greeting cards during the 20th century. The depiction of a family gathering within a Rosh Hashanah greeting highlights the importance of family, tradition, and community in Jewish communities. This card serves as a tangible representation of Jewish cultural expression and the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.Collection
MMJH, GiftsMade/Created
Manufacturer
Lender/Donor American GreetingsDate made
circa 1920Ethnography
Cultural Region
* Untyped Cultural Region
Cleveland, OHDimensions
Height
11-3/4 inWidth
11 inInterpretative Labels
Label
Old World Origins
German-made greeting cards were far superior to any available in the United States at the turn of the century. These examples celebrating Jewish New Year were typical of the varieties that Jacob Sapirstein first sold when he began the modest business that would become American Greetings.