 |
| A 17th-century manuscript of Me'orot Natan by R. Natan Nata Shapira in Italian script. (Bodleian Library) |
INTRODUCTION
Turkish and Syrian Jews have the
unusual custom of gesturing with their hands to other members of the
congregation just prior to reciting the Amidah. What are the origins of this little-known custom
where the hand and fingers are held upwards, the palm inclined inwards and then
moved back and forth three or four times, while making eye
contact with fellow congregants in the synagogue?
In this article, based extensively on the research of Rabbi
Dr Levi Cooper[1],
we will explore the origins of this unusual custom which appear to be at least
four centuries old.
