The Torah Scroll

www.strath.ac.ukThe Hebrew word torah technically carries the broad idea of teaching, doctrine or instruction. Over time, the word has become associated with three additional meanings: 1) It is the name applied to the five books of Moses—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, 2) The word is applied to the five books of Moses including the entire body of traditional law, and 3) It is the name given to the scroll on which the content of the five books of Moses are written. Only the context of the sentence in which the word is used will let you know what sense of the word is meant. Knowing what sense is used can be confusing.

Incidentally, there is one more name used to identify the five books of Moses and that is the name Chumash. The word Chumash is derived from the Hebrew word for five, a reference, of course, to the five books of Moses.

A Torah Scroll is made up of a number of sections of parchment sewn together. The text of the five books of Moses is then handwritten on the parchment by a competent and highly trained scribe. In order to find the appropriate portion of the text to be read, it was most practical to attach the length of joined parchment pieces to wooden rollers. The rollers are called the etzay chayyim or “tree of life” in Hebrew. The Torah Scroll is sometimes called by that name as well.

www.thegalileeexperience.comIn the synagogue, the Torah Scroll is covered with an elaborately embroidered mantle to protect, honor and beautify it (see picture above). A breastplate of silver is draped over the front of the mantle. The breastplate is often designed in imitation of the breastplate worn by the High Priest (Ex. 28:13 30) with four rows of three precious stones engraved with the name of the 12 tribes of Israel. The Torah Scroll is considered the holiest object in Jewish life. Therefore, the Torah is topped with two crowns (also known as rimmonim) as the main adornment and as a symbol of kingship.

It is considered improper to touch the Torah Scroll with bare hands for two reasons: 1) It is not in keeping with the dignity of a holy object, and 2) To prevent damage to the scroll or the text inscribed upon it. As a result, a Torah pointer is used when reading from the Torah Scroll (see picture right). The pointer is called a yad. Yad is the Hebrew word for hand, so the pointer is shaped like a hand with an outstretched index finger. Using the yad the Torah reader can point to each word of the text as he reads it without obstructing the view of those beside him who are following the reading.