The Torah
The Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, is the oldest and most sacred text of the Jews.
It is believed traditionally to have been given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Modern scholarship maintains that it was written by various authors throughout several centuries, probably from the ninth century BCE onward.
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READING THE TORAH
The reading begins on Genesis 1, on the first Saturday which follows the Jewish High Holidays, and in the course of one year the whole Torah is read. Every Jewish Synagogue has at least one Torah Scroll, which is housed in a special sacred cabinet called the Ark. The ark is veiled by an embroidered curtain called Parochet or is closed off by doors.
Ark
Parochet -
MAKING THE TORAH SCROLL
The Torah used in the Synagogue is copied on specially prepared vellum or parchment by a scribe called Sofer Stam who specializes in copying sacred texts according to the ritual laws; it is sewn together in one piece and rolled up around two rollers with handles.
Writing a torah
A Torah Scroll -
TORAH ACCESSORIES
Special accessories include:
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THE COAT/CASE
An embroidered mantle or alternatively, a case to cover it.
torah case
Coat -
BREASTPLATE
An ornate silver and gold breastplate with the image of the Ten Commandments. Breastplates such as these often have medallions attached. The medallions are inscribed with the names of the donors.
Torah Breastplate -
THE READING POINTER
The silver hand that serves as a reading pointer.
Yad LaTorah - a reading pointer -
THE FINIALS
The crown or finials which adorn the Torah.
Finials