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Yad

A yad (Hebrew: יד, meaning "hand") is a Jewish ritual object, commonly known as a Torah pointer, consisting of a slender rod that typically terminates in a sculpted hand with an extended index finger, used by the reader to trace the text during public recitations from a Torah scroll in synagogue services.^[1] Its primary function is to enable precise following of the Hebrew script without direct physical contact, thereby preserving the sanctity and integrity of the parchment, which is considered too holy to be touched by human hands.^[2] This practice aligns with Jewish traditions emphasizing the avoidance of ritual impurity and the protection of sacred texts, as outlined in rabbinic law.^[3] Historically, the yad evolved from a simple tapered rod, likely introduced in medieval Europe to mark the reader's place in the unvocalized Torah text, with the hand-shaped tip emerging later as a symbolic representation of the "hand" in its name.^[2] By the 18th century, elaborate versions appeared across Jewish communities, varying by region: Eastern Sephardi and Yemenite traditions retained utilitarian forms often called moreh (pointer) or kulmus (quill), while Ashkenazi examples in Europe featured ornate silver designs with filigree, precious stones, or coral, sometimes up to 10 inches long and hung from the scroll via a chain.^[1] Wooden yads carved in local folk styles were also common in some Eastern European contexts, reflecting cultural adaptations without altering the core purpose.^[2] Notable surviving artifacts include a 1798 wooden yad from Alsace and a silver example recovered from the 17th-century Great Synagogue of Vilnius, destroyed during World War II, underscoring the object's enduring role amid historical upheavals.^[3]^[4] In contemporary Jewish practice, yads continue to symbolize the principle of hiddur mitzvah—beautifying religious commandments—blending functionality with artistry, as seen in modern stainless steel designs inscribed with sacred texts or created by artists like Ghiora Aharoni.^[3] They are typically communal property of synagogues rather than personal items, though gifted versions mark life-cycle events like bar mitzvahs, and their use reinforces communal participation by visually guiding congregants during readings.^[5] Across denominations, from Orthodox to Reform, the yad remains a vital accessory in Torah services, embodying reverence for scripture and the interpretive act of leyening (chanting the text).^[5]

Overview

Definition and Etymology

The yad is a Jewish ritual pointer, also known as a Torah pointer or stylus, employed exclusively during the public reading of the Torah scroll in synagogue services to follow the text.^[6]^[7] The name "yad" originates from the Hebrew word יָד (yad), which literally means "hand," alluding to its distinctive form that mimics a human hand.^[6]^[7] This resemblance is evident in its design, featuring an elongated shaft terminating in a sculpted hand with an extended index finger serving as the pointing tip.^[6] Yads are typically 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in length, allowing for precise handling during the reading process.^[8]^[9]^[10]

Purpose and Rationale

The yad serves as a essential ritual instrument in Jewish synagogue services, primarily employed by the ba'al koreh (Torah reader) to trace the lines of text on a Sefer Torah during public readings, thereby enabling precise navigation without physical contact between the reader's hand and the sacred scroll.^[5] This practice safeguards the delicate parchment and ink, as direct finger contact could transfer natural skin oils, leading to gradual smudging or degradation of the handwritten letters over repeated use.^[11] According to Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 147:1), it is forbidden to touch the klaf (parchment) of a Sefer Torah with bare hands, even if washed, to prevent such damage and uphold the scroll's integrity.^[11] The underlying rationale for the yad is deeply embedded in halakhic principles concerning ritual purity and reverence for holy objects. Jewish law prohibits handling the Torah scroll with uncovered hands due to concerns over ritual impurity (tum'ah), as the oils and residues from human skin are deemed incompatible with the sanctity of the text, potentially rendering the handling disrespectful or impure.^[12] This prohibition, echoed in the Mishnah Berurah (147:4), extends beyond mere physical protection to symbolize the spiritual distance and awe appropriate toward divine words, ensuring that the Torah remains unmarred by human imperfection during communal worship.^[11] Furthermore, the yad facilitates enhanced focus and accuracy for both the reader and the congregation. By providing a visible pointer—often shaped like an outstretched hand—it assists the ba'al koreh in maintaining rhythmic and error-free chanting of the unvocalized Hebrew text, while allowing congregants to visually follow the reading, thereby promoting collective engagement and understanding of the sacred narrative.^[13] This dual role underscores the yad's contribution to the solemnity and precision of the leining process, aligning with halakhic emphases on meticulous Torah recitation.^[5]

History

Ancient Origins

The earliest Talmudic reference to the yad, or Torah pointer, appears in connection with the Jewish educational institutions in Bethar during the Bar Kokhba revolt (132–135 CE). In the schools of this city, a major center of Jewish learning, a teacher employed a simple pointer to stab an intruder (Gittin 58a).^[14] This incident suggests the prior use of such tools to guide students through the text of the Torah scroll during educational sessions, helping maintain accuracy in recitation while preserving the sanctity of the parchment by avoiding direct contact with the fingers.^[15] Scholars posit possible connections between the yad and practices from the Second Temple period (516 BCE–70 CE), when Torah scrolls were central to synagogue and temple readings. During this era, similar styluses or pointing devices may have been used to assist readers in navigating unvocalized Hebrew texts, emphasizing reverence for the sacred writings and preventing wear from repeated handling. While direct archaeological evidence remains elusive, the continuity of scroll-based study suggests such tools facilitated communal learning and ritual observance.^[16] The yad's origins further reflect broader influences from ancient Hebrew pedagogical traditions, where educators utilized rudimentary sticks or pointers akin to those employed by lecturers to track lines of text in group settings. These tools, predating formalized ritual use, supported oral transmission of scripture in early Jewish communities, underscoring the emphasis on precise textual fidelity in religious education. This foundational role in teaching evolved over time into the yad's more specialized application in synagogue liturgy.^[15]

Medieval and Modern Development

The yad emerged as a distinct ritual implement in European Jewish communities during the medieval period, evolving from earlier pointing tools into a more standardized form used to guide Torah readings without direct contact with the sacred text. By the 15th century, the custom of using a Torah pointer was documented in Ashkenazi and Italian Jewish traditions.^[17] In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the yad proliferated across Jewish communities, particularly through the work of silversmiths that elevated it from a functional pointer to an ornate artifact symbolizing communal devotion. These artisans, active in cities like Warsaw and Vienna, produced intricate silver yads featuring engraved motifs, filigree, and hallmarks denoting craftsmanship standards, often commissioned by affluent donors for synagogues. In Eastern Europe, folk art influences led to distinctive wooden versions from Poland, carved with symbolic elements like Stars of David and lions, blending local artistry with ritual necessity and making the yad accessible beyond elite circles.^[18] Following the Holocaust, the yad underwent practical adaptations in the 20th and 21st centuries, reflecting the urgent rebuilding of Jewish religious life and the need for affordable, durable items in newly established or restored synagogues. Simplified versions made of wood or plastic became prevalent for educational purposes in schools and youth programs, allowing beginners to practice Torah reading without the fragility of silver. These modern iterations, often produced in Israel and the United States, prioritize accessibility while preserving the yad's core function, as seen in synagogue reconstructions across Europe and North America.^[18]

Design and Manufacture

Materials and Forms

The yad, a ritual pointer used during Torah readings, is traditionally crafted from durable and symbolically resonant materials to ensure longevity and reverence in synagogue settings. Silver remains the most prevalent material, particularly for formal synagogue use, often featuring hallmarks or gilding for added durability and aesthetic appeal.^[18] Gold plating or combinations of gold and silver appear in ornate examples, enhancing their ceremonial value.^[18] Wood serves as a common alternative for folk or educational versions, valued for its accessibility and ease of carving, while ivory and brass occur occasionally in historical pieces, with ivory providing a smooth, tactile surface and brass offering robustness in early designs.^[18] In its standard form, the yad consists of an elongated shaft terminating in a sculpted hand at one end, with the index finger extended to serve as the precise pointer, allowing the reader to follow the text without direct contact.^[18] The shaft is typically tapered or twisted for ergonomic grip and visual elegance, while the hand element varies from realistic depictions—mimicking human anatomy with detailed fingers—to stylized abstractions that emphasize artistic flair over literal representation.^[18] These forms have evolved aesthetically, incorporating intricate motifs like repoussé patterns or rings along the shaft in traditional examples.^[19] Yads typically measure 15-40 cm in length and weigh 100-200 grams for silver examples, varying by material to ensure comfortable handling without fatigue during readings.^[19]^[20] Many feature decorative chains attached to the upper end, enabling secure draping over the Torah finials when not in active use, which also prevents misplacement in communal settings.^[20]

Craftsmanship Techniques

The creation of yads involves intricate silversmithing techniques honed by Jewish artisans, particularly in historical centers such as Vienna and Jerusalem. In Vienna, silversmiths like Franz Zeitler employed casting methods to form the elongated shaft and hand-shaped tip, followed by detailed engraving to inscribe Hebrew motifs or donor names, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic reverence for the Torah.^[19] Similarly, in Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy workshops, artisans utilized filigree work—delicate twisting and soldering of fine silver wires—to adorn the pointer's body with intricate patterns, a technique that dates back to medieval Jewish metalworking traditions and emphasizes precision to avoid marring the sacred text.^[18] Hand sculpting forms a core aspect of yad production, where the pointing finger is meticulously molded for accuracy in following the Torah script. Artisans often begin with lost-wax casting to shape the silver or bronze tip, then refine it through hammering and chasing to achieve a smooth, ergonomic contour that allows precise navigation without contact. Repoussé techniques, involving hammering designs from the reverse side of the metal sheet, are commonly applied to add raised decorative motifs such as floral or symbolic elements, enhancing the yad's ritual elegance while maintaining structural integrity.^[21]^[18] This labor-intensive process, as seen in 19th-century Polish examples, requires skilled handwork to balance durability with the delicate scale of the pointing hand.^[18] Contemporary yad production integrates modern tools while preserving artisanal elements, particularly in ethical Judaica workshops that prioritize sustainable sourcing of materials like recycled silver. Laser etching enables the creation of detailed replicas, as in metal yads featuring intricate Jerusalem skyline patterns cut with precision for mass production without compromising design fidelity. Custom pieces undergo hand-polishing to achieve a lustrous finish, often in Jerusalem-based ateliers where craftsmen like those at Nadav Art combine traditional molding with contemporary finishing for personalized ritual items.^[22]^[23] This approach ensures accessibility while upholding ethical standards in material procurement and labor practices.^[24]

Usage in Ritual

Role in Torah Reading

The yad serves as an essential instrument in the liturgical reading of the Torah, employed by the ba'al koreh (Torah reader) to guide the recitation during synagogue services. In the procedure, the ba'al koreh stands at the bimah holding the Torah scroll open with one hand while using the yad in the other to point sequentially at each word of the text as it is chanted aloud. This tracing ensures precise navigation through the portions designated for each aliyah (honor of being called up to the Torah), which occur during Shabbat morning services, holiday observances, and other specified occasions. The yad integrates seamlessly with the traditional chanting known as leyning, where the ba'al koreh vocalizes the text according to the trop (cantillation marks) that dictate melody, rhythm, and punctuation. By following the pointer's movement along the unvocalized letters of the parchment, the reader maintains the accurate cadence and intonation required for the public proclamation, preventing errors in emphasis or phrasing that could alter the sacred narrative's delivery. This methodical pointing supports the rhythmic flow inherent to the trop system, allowing the ba'al koreh to sustain the melodic structure without visual interruption.^[23] From a congregational perspective, the yad's visible guidance enables worshippers to track the reading visually from their seats, fostering collective engagement with the Torah portion without necessitating physical interaction with the scroll. As the pointer moves deliberately across the text, it signals the progression of the aliyah to the assembly, who may follow along in their own chumashim (printed Torah texts) or observe the ritual directly. This communal synchronization underscores the Torah reading as a shared spiritual experience, where the yad's role extends beyond the reader to unite the entire kehilla (community) in the moment of divine revelation. The practice also aligns with the protective rationale of avoiding direct contact with the parchment to prevent soiling from finger oils.^[25]^[26]

Handling Protocols

Prior to the Torah reading service, the yad is attached to one of the Torah scroll's wooden rollers, known as etz chayim, via a ring and chain at its upper end, ensuring it remains accessible and secure throughout the ritual.^[27] Cleanliness is paramount in preparation; the yad must be free of dust or residue, aligning with broader protocols requiring handlers to have clean hands to avoid ritual impurity, as the Torah parchment is considered holy and indirect contact is preferred.^[27] During the reading, the ba'al koreh holds the yad in one hand while supporting the open scroll with the other, guiding the pointer along the lines of text to track the chanting accurately and assist congregants in following.^[25]^[23] When an aliyah recipient is honored to chant their specific portion, the yad is passed to them by the ba'al koreh to facilitate their reading.^[28] Following the service, the yad is gently wiped with a soft, dry cloth to remove any handling residue and maintain its luster, preventing tarnish on silver models through regular polishing.^[29] It is then stored by draping the chain over the Torah scroll before returning the assembly to the synagogue's holy ark (aron kodesh), or placed in a dedicated protective case within the ark to shield it from environmental damage.^[25]^[27]

Variations by Community

Ashkenazi and Sephardi Traditions

In Ashkenazi Jewish communities, originating primarily from Central and Eastern Europe, yads are typically elaborate silver artifacts featuring intricate floral engravings and decorative elements such as repoussé patterns or semi-precious stone inlays. These pointers, prominent from the 18th to 19th centuries, often include a detailed hand motif with a pointing index finger extended from a cuffed arm, reflecting the ornate silversmithing traditions of the period. For instance, a 1781 silver yad crafted by English silversmith Hester Bateman exemplifies this style with its elegant, brite-cut detailing and delicate ornamentation, designed for use in established European synagogues.^[30]^[31] Such yads were employed in formal synagogue settings, where their craftsmanship enhanced the ritual dignity of Torah readings conducted on a flat reading table.^[1] In contrast, Sephardi yads from Ottoman and North African origins, such as those from Morocco or Iran in the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, tend toward simpler, more functional designs emphasizing portability for use in smaller or itinerant communities. These silver or parcel-gilt pointers often feature engraved Hebrew inscriptions and modest floral motifs without excessive embellishment, terminating in a straightforward pointing hand to facilitate easy handling during travel or compact services. A late 19th–mid-20th century example from Iran or North Africa, for instance, displays silver engraving with floral designs on a traditional stem, prioritizing durability over opulence.^[32]^[31] This practicality aligns with Sephardi liturgical practices, where the Torah is read from an upright case (tik), allowing the yad to guide the text efficiently in diverse settings.^[1] Despite these stylistic distinctions, Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions share core practices in yad usage, employing the pointer universally during public Torah readings to trace the text without contacting the sacred parchment. In both communities, the yad is held by the reader to maintain precision and reverence, though Ashkenazi synagogues often feature ornate pairs of yads displayed near the bimah for ceremonial prominence.^[33]^[34] These shared elements underscore the yad's role as an essential ritual tool across Jewish diasporas.^[1]

Mountain Jewish Customs

The Mountain Jewish community, also known as the Caucasian Tat Jews, developed a distinctive tradition of using paired or joined Torah pointers (yads) originating in the Caucasus regions during the early 19th century and continuing until the mid-20th century. These yads were typically crafted as sets for donation to synagogues, with pairs held apart in a V-shape by the reader to divide the Torah text into short passages during services, facilitating precise communal recitation. This practice reflects the community's adaptation to their mountainous environment and close-knit social structures, where such implements were essential for maintaining ritual accuracy in remote villages.^[35] In design, Mountain Jewish yads were predominantly made of silver, featuring engraved inscriptions and inlays of semiprecious stones that highlighted local craftsmanship and available materials from the Caucasus. Common elements included intricate engravings in Hebrew detailing the donors' names and the year of donation, often rendering the pointers as joined units when commemorating a single event. These aesthetic choices drew on regional gemstone resources and subtle Persian stylistic influences, inherited through the community's Judeo-Persian linguistic and cultural heritage, distinguishing them from other Jewish subgroups.^[35] The usage of these yads extended to Torah readings within bilingual contexts, where the Hebrew text was chanted aloud while communal discussions and interpretations occurred in Judeo-Tat, the traditional language of the Mountain Jews. Emphasis was placed on communal gifting, with sets donated during significant life-cycle events such as weddings or bar mitzvahs to honor the synagogue and ensure ongoing ritual support, underscoring the pointers' role as symbols of familial and collective piety. This tradition of paired donation reinforced social bonds and perpetuated the community's religious practices amid historical migrations and challenges in the Caucasus.^[35]

Cultural and Symbolic Role

Artistic and Symbolic Features

The yad, as a ritual object, embodies the Jewish principle of hiddur mitzvah, which emphasizes beautifying religious commandments to enhance their spiritual impact and elevate the act of Torah reading. This concept encourages the creation of aesthetically refined yads using materials like silver, gold, and gemstones, transforming a functional pointer into an artistic expression of devotion. Elaborate designs, including filigree work and sculpted elements, reflect regional craftsmanship traditions while underscoring the mitzvah's sanctity.^[36]^[31] Common motifs on yads include engraved Stars of David, symbolizing divine protection and Jewish identity, alongside pomegranates representing abundance and the 613 commandments of the Torah. Hebrew inscriptions, such as dedications to donors or phrases like "Emet" (truth), are frequently incorporated to invoke spiritual enhancement and commemorate communal or personal significance. These elements not only adorn the yad but also reinforce its role in guiding the reader toward deeper engagement with the sacred text. While menorahs appear less commonly on yads themselves, related Jewish symbols like floral patterns and architectural motifs draw from broader liturgical artistry to evoke themes of growth and temple heritage.^[31]^[2] Over time, yads have evolved from simple silver rods in the 18th century to intricate collector's items in the modern era, showcasing diverse influences from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Early examples prioritized utility with a basic pointing hand, but later designs incorporated chains, spheres, and personalized engravings, reflecting cultural adaptations and the object's status as a gift or memorial. This artistic progression is evident in museum collections, such as the Israel Museum's array of 18th- and 19th-century silver yads from Poland and Germany, which highlight pierced and cast techniques, and the Barr Foundation's holdings featured in exhibits at Fordham University and the University of Virginia's Fralin Museum of Art. These displays illustrate how yads have transitioned into valued artifacts that preserve Jewish artistic heritage.^[37]^[31]^[38]

Contemporary Significance

In contemporary Jewish practice, the yad continues to play a vital role in Reform and Conservative synagogue services, where it facilitates Torah readings by diverse participants, including women and non-traditional readers, aligning with these denominations' emphasis on gender equality and communal involvement.^[39] In these settings, the yad enables precise text-following without direct contact with the scroll, supporting inclusive rituals that encourage broader participation in aliyot (Torah honors). Adaptations include shorter, child-sized yads designed for educational purposes in religious schools, allowing young learners to practice pointing during study sessions or mock readings, thereby fostering early engagement with sacred texts.^[40] The yad has gained popularity as a collectible item in modern Judaica markets, often customized and gifted for bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies to symbolize a young person's entry into Jewish adulthood. Online retailers offer personalized options, such as engravings with names, Hebrew verses, or birthdates, crafted from materials like sterling silver, pewter, or acrylic, making them accessible and meaningful keepsakes.^[41] These replicas and artistic variations blend tradition with contemporary design, appealing to families seeking both ritual utility and decorative value in home Judaica collections.^[42] Preservation efforts for historical yads underscore their cultural importance, with Jewish museums and archives undertaking digitization projects to safeguard and disseminate these artifacts globally. Institutions like the Center for Jewish History maintain online databases featuring high-resolution images and metadata of antique yads, enabling researchers and educators to study their craftsmanship without physical handling.^[43] Similarly, platforms such as Google Arts & Culture provide virtual access to digitized Torah pointers from various eras, preserving them against deterioration while promoting awareness of Jewish heritage.^[44]

References

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Torah Ornaments - Jewish Virtual Library
The original form of the pointer was preserved in Eastern communities, the differences from one community to another being mainly in length and ornamentation.
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Sep 14, 2025 · One of them is a Torah pointer, or a yad. Because the Torah scroll is considered so holy that it cannot be touched directly, the Torah pointer ...
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News - Silver Yad Recovered from the Great Synagogue of Vilnius
Aug 31, 2021 · A seventeenth-century structure looted and burned during World War II by the Nazis, has uncovered a silver Yad, a pointer used to read from a Torah scroll.
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Beyond the Object: The Yad | Masorti Judaism
A yad is a ritual pointer used by Torah readers to follow the text when leyening (chanting from the Torah scroll). It's used to ensure that we don't damage ...
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What Does the Hebrew Word “Yad” Mean? - Chabad.org
The word yad (Heb. יד) means “hand.” It can also refer to the pointer used during the public reading of the Torah scroll.
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The word yad, in addition to its primary meaning of "hand," has three secondary meanings in Hebrew. (1) The pointer used by the reader to indicate the place ...
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Jul 3, 2022 · It is forbidden to hold [or even touch[2]] the parchment of the Sefer Torah without a cloth.[3] This applies even if one washed his hands.
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The reader uses a yad (literally, "a hand"), usually a six to eight inch ... Lifting) The act and honor of lifting the Torah after it is read to the congregation.
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Jan 11, 2016 · Yad in Hebrew literally means “hand”: they are in fact pointers for reading the Torah, which usually end up in a shape of a closed hand with the index finger ...
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### Summary of History and Origins of the Yad (Torah Pointer)
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Feb 28, 2023 · This form is known from Hebrew manuscripts from Germany and Italy to have been in use since at least the Fifteenth Century. By the Sixteenth ...
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Apr 11, 2024 · You are about to be dazzled by over 100 antique and contemporary Torah pointers, known by the Hebrew word yad for hand. The yad is used to keep.
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Torah pointer - Center for Jewish Art
This artistically delicate Torah pointer originates in the workshop of a Viennese silversmith. This artisan, Franz Zeitler, made many religious objects for the ...
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Torah Pointer - NCMALearn - North Carolina Museum of Art
A Torah pointer, or yad, is used to follow the Torah text without touching it, protecting the parchment and serving as a visual aid.
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Torah Yad Pointer in Metal with Jerusalem Depiction
Out of stockThis Torah yad pointer is adorned with laser cut of Jerusalem around the handle and a hand figure at the end of the pointer. This is to replace human hand ...Missing: production techniques etching polishing
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The Full Guide About Yad Torah Pointers - Nadav Art By Avi Nadav
### Summary of Yad in Torah Reading Procedure
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The yad ("hand") is the pointer that the reader of the Torah uses to help others follow the written words as he reads. Usually made of silver, the end of this ...Missing: ritual | Show results with:ritual
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Guide to the Synagogue Sanctuary, From Ark to Yad
Pronounced: YAHD, Origin: Hebrew, literally "hand," this is also the pointer used in synagogue to indicate the section of the Torah or biblical text that is ...
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YAD - JewishEncyclopedia.com
Origin from the School. A pointer to guide the reading in public of the text of the Sefer Torah. During the reading of the Law in the synagogue the reader ...
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Consider using a yad (Torah pointer) or holding the scroll only at the seams ... Should you think of additional questions regarding the care and handling of your ...
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Halacha applied differently dependent on the situation - Judaism
The Baal Koreh handed me the Yad - he knew beyond any reasonable doubt that I could Layn it without preparation as that Aliyah is the same as weekday Rosh ...
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Prague Torah Pointer. Silver with oval turquoise stone. Makers in two places - on cuff and near top above stone. 19th century. 10" long ...Missing: guilds folk
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Yad is the Hebrew word for hand. Its main purpose is to guide the reader of the text and to keep him/her from touching the precious scroll unnecessarily.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Torah pointer - Center for Jewish Art
The original form of the pointer was preserved in Eastern communities, the differences from one community to another being mainly in length and ornamentation.
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Sephardi Ottoman and North African culture mirrors the Islamic molded culture in these countries. ... In Sephardi communities, the Yad is held by the Torah ...
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The Torah pointers used by the Caucasian community of Mountain Jews were ... pairs, or joined together when the dedication inscription related to the same event.Missing: yad customs
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Torah pointers | The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Torah pointers · Remnant of a Torah pointer · Torah pointer painted in black for 9th of Av · Torah pointers · Torah pointer · Torah pointer · Pappenheim set of Torah ...Missing: B03. 1415 Mountain
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People who read from the Torah use a yad, (literally, hand; a silver pointer) in the shape of a hand, with the index finger pointing forward to keep their place ...
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The yad is used optionally in liturgical services to indicate the place that is being read on a Torah (biblical) scroll, thus eliminating the necessity of ...
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Home page
Avi Zukerman's unique artistic designs allows you to create your own personalized Yad. Give it as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift to yourself and others.
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Yeshiva University Museum Collections is a searchable online database featuring digital ... Yad (Pointer for Reading The Torah). Object Name: Yad. Category: ...
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This Torah pointer has two spherical, open work balls decorating its slender stem. The pointing hand at its point wears a ring on the index finger.Missing: digitization archives
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1. Mountain Jews Are a Unique Community · 2. They Came From Persia · 3. They Have Their Own Language · 4. They Excelled in Trade and Crafts · 5. There Are Several ...Missing: pointers | Show results with:pointers