There is an ancient custom to illuminate Judaica manuscripts to enhance their beauty and to glorify the words of G-d. One of the most common ones is the megillah scroll, especially megillas Esther. The most frequent and reasonable megillah illumination is the crown. Many megillahs are written in a manner so that the word Hamelech is the first word on each of the columns, from the 2nd column until the listing of the 10 sons of wicked Haman. (Boooooo!) Tradition teaches us that the word Hamelech, which apparently refers to king Achashverosh, in actuality hints to G-d. G-d's actions and involvement in the Purim story is completely hidden but obvious when one carefully considers the turn of events. We therefore "crown" the Almighty as an expression of endearment, appreciation and allegiance to him.
Some choose more ornate designs in place of or in addition to megillah crowns. Megillah illumination can be done on any blank space on the megillah parchment including the first and last blank column, the top and bottom margins and in between each column. Some even add extra columns or choose taller parchment so the top or bottoms margins will allow for more or larger megillah illuminations. Obviously, the more detailed and extensive the design the greater the cost will be. Some also highlight with 24k gold leaf, which adds to the majestic appearance of the megillah scroll.

You can purchase a megillah scroll from us and commission one of our artists to illuminate it. We will have the megillah scroll specially written for illuminating. By ordering a megillah scroll to be illuminated we can choose parchment with taller margins, and/or wider, blank beginning and ending columns, and have it specially scored to allow for the artwork to be done on smooth parchment in between columns. This allows for more extensive megillah illuminating.
You can also send us your megillah scroll for illumination.

Please click here for samples of illuminated megillahs from our available artists. Our artists are available for any illumination or calligraphy work including ketubot, Eshet Chayil, etc. Please complete the megilliah illuminating form to receive further information on any type of illumination.