Find and Finder of the Month: Saved By the Bell! Shayna and Mia’s Bronze Crotal Bell 

This summer, Shayna Eizikovitz and Mia Rauzman, 11th grade students at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School in Teaneck, NJ, made a delightful discovery while volunteering at the Temple Mount Sifting Project: a bronze crotal bell with an iron chain attachment.

Measuring just 2 cm in diameter and weighing 21.8 g, this bell is a rare and well-preserved example of a post-medieval sound-producing object. Its small size suggests it was used not on wagons or large animals, but for personal adornment, small animal harnesses (like goats or falconry birds), or ceremonial accessories (such as church procession bells and Torah scroll finial bells). The iron chain indicates it was suspended for functional or decorative use. 

 Although this is the second cortal bell found in the sifting project, we have yet to find other bells like this in Israel. Typologically, the bell is a one-piece cast bronze form with a slit opening and integral suspension loop, consistent with 14th–17th century CE crotal bells found in England. It will be cleaned in the lab to check for any hidden designs or inscriptions that could refine its dating or reveal more about its original use or owner. 

But the story behind the finding is just as meaningful as the artifact itself. Shayna and Mia were participating in Yad B’Yad, an inclusive summer program that brings together mainstream teens and teens with disabilities to explore the beauty of Israel together. “We were excited to sift and have a good time,” they shared, “but we didn’t think we’d find anything so special—we assumed we’d just have a chill time with our friends looking through buckets.”

That changed the moment they spotted the bell. “We immediately thought of the Kohen Gadol’s robe, which had bells on the hem, as described in the Torah. We called over our counselors and friends to show them our discovery!” Though the bell turned out to be bronze rather than gold, their excitement was undiminished.

“We’ve never been interested in history or archaeology before,” they admitted, “but this experience gave us a new view on ancient times and showed us how cool history can be.” They sent photos to friends and family, who also made the Kohen Gadol connection. “We feel more connected to the Temple Mount now that we’ve seen items from its time and sifted through stones bearing its ashes.”

Shayna lives in Bergenfield, and Mia in Teaneck, NJ. Their enthusiasm and curiosity turned a summer activity into a moment of discovery and connection—both to the past and to the land of Israel.

🎉 Mazal tov to Shayna and Mia for helping preserve another piece of Jerusalem’s layered history