The ark is the name given to the object which is used to store Torahs in the synagogue. The Torahs are typically concealed within the ark by either a door or a curtain. Next to the Torahs, the ark is the holiest object in the synagogue. When one passes before the ark, for example, he or she is required to bow. The ark is also left open during certain important prayers.

This miniature Torah ark, which measures approximately 1 metre in length and 45 centimetres in width, is made of brown wood. At the bottom (where the door is located) the ark is rectangular while at the top it is oval shaped. On the door of the ark, there are two tablets on which the first ten letters of the Hebrew alphabet are written. On either side of these tablets, there are two human-like lions standing on their hind-legs and facing one another. Two yellow swirls, resembling fire, are seen directly below the feet of the lions. Directly above the tablets, there are two open crowns which contain images of red jewel-like objects. Below the tablets, there are two Hebrew words which translate into English as "Crown of Torah." Below this, there are two yellow and red flowers which are bordered by green leaves. An identical flower is found at the centre of the oval portion of the ark. The upper section of the ark is surrounded by wooden carvings of objects. An electrical metal Torah lamp, adorned with four small human-like faces, hangs above the ark.

The inside of the ark is finished in a beige carpeting. A miniature Torah is shown standing upright on a small wooden pedestal. The Torah mantle is the same colour as the ark's inside carpeting and has two Hebrew letters embroidered on it. Translated into English, these letters are abbreviations for the term "Crown of Torah." Besides this Torah mantle, no other ornaments adorn the Torah.

The two tablets on the door of the ark represent the two tablets which were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. The Hebrew letters on these tablets serve as numerical representations of each of these commandments. The two lions symbolize the cherubim which guarded the Ark of the Lord. The fire-like yellow swirls probably symbolize the ferocity of the lions. The association of the Torah with a crown, which is represented here by both the crowns above the tablets and the term "Crown of Torah," is a common symbol in Jewish art. Historically, this association has been interpreted in a number of ways. In the first instance, it has been said to represent the "kingly" nature of the five books of the Torah, the most sacred scriptures in Judaism. The association also indicates the spiritual elevation (to the status of royalty, metaphorically speaking) which one is supposed to experience while reading the Torah. In addition, it is reminiscent of the crown which was worn by the High Priest during the Temple period. The three yellow-red flowers probably symbolize the "blossoming" of the Torah. The electrical Torah lamp is a later addition and was not part of the original ark. The beige carpeting and Torah mantle are also recent additions.

This Torah ark is known to have been used in a household during a period in history where the practice of Judaism was restricted. The "secretive" nature of this ark is evident from the fact that it resembles a piece of household furniture, more specifically a cabinet. The front of the ark was probably covered by a piece of cloth when it was not in use. This way, the "Jewish imagery" would have been concealed from potential enemies.

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