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Torah Binder

Torah Binder

This gray satin Torah binder is believed to have been produced sometime in the early twentieth century. Binders are wrapped around the Torah scroll and are used to hold the scroll in place for a particular reading. Since they are placed under the Torah mantle, binders are rarely seen and, consequently, are probably the least appreciated of all the Torah accoutrements. This Torah binder is bordered by a silver lining. At the centre of the binding is a sterling silver buckle which portrays two tablets with a lion on either side. A crown is located above each of these tablets. The tablets are symbolic of the Ten Commandments which were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. The Hebrew writing which appear on the tablets serve as Hebrew abbreviations of these commandments. The human-like lions which are shown standing on their hind legs represent the cherubim which guarded the Ark of the Lord. The crowns located above the tablets are being used as a metaphor to signify the kingliness of the Torah. While some binders, such as this one, are decorated with a buckle, it is important to note that such ornamentation is not required.

Torah Ark Torah Mantle Torah Crown
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Torah finials Torah Breast Plate Torah Breast Plate and finials
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