JHV 4 "Five Stars of David"

Collection No. 4: The Zimermann "Five Stars of David" Violin

In the official Violins of Hope Catalogue, instrument #4 is a handmade violin crafted in Warsaw by Yaacov Zimermann, one of the first Jewish violin makers in the city.

• Distinctive Features. It is uniquely decorated with five Stars of David—four inlaid on the upper deck and one on the back—made using a mixture of glue and black powder.

• History & Restoration. When the violin was discovered, its varnish was almost completely worn away, suggesting it had been played heavily outdoors in all weather conditions. Master luthiers Amnon and Avshalom Weinstein spent a year and a half meticulously restoring it so it could be played in concerts again.