Mizrah, Open

Jews traditionally face east when they pray, directing their prayers towards the Temple that once stood at Jerusalem. To orient individuals, homes or synagogues are sometimes adorned with a sign, called a “Mizrah,” meaning “East” in Hebrew. In countries east of Israel—such as Iran, where this nearly 100-year-old artifact originated—prayers are sent westward. Made of painted wood, its doors open to reveal an image of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments atop Mount Sinai.