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Torah Breast Plate

Torah Breast Plate

This Torah breast plate, which is approximately 25 centimeters in height, is made of silver and is believed to have been produced in Cracow, Poland in the eighteenth century. Although it is made of silver, this breast plate looks like an embroidered tapestry. Along the lower rims of the plate, for example, small thread-like embossments are apparent. Towards the center, this tapestry appears to fold over about 2.5 centimeters on each side of the plate. At the centre of the breast plate are two tablets with Hebrew lettering on them. Two lions, which face each other, are positioned on either side of the tablets. Standing on two legs, the lions resemble humans. The front legs of the lions, which are stretched between the upper and lower portion of the tablets, look like human hands. Small lines, resembling light or fire, protrude both from the top and from the left and right sides of the tablets.

Beyond these lines, an open cover is apparent on either side of the tablets. Although the area directly below the tablets is covered by a dedication plaque, the tablets appear to be floating above an open box, the front of which is covered by a mantle. A beaded crown is located at the very top of the breast plate. Three chains extend from the edges of the plate. These chains are placed around the Torah mantle and are used to keep the plate on the Torah.

The image revealed here is that of the Ark of the Lord in the Temple. While the symbols which are employed vary, the Temple motif is one which is commonly portrayed on the breast plates. The two tablets at the centre of plate represent the Ten Commandments which were given to Moses by God. The Hebrew lettering which appears on each of these tablets serve as abbreviations of these commandments. Although the tablets were destroyed by Moses at Mount Sinai their remnants are believed to have been placed in the Holy Ark, which is said to have been stored in the Temple. Consequently, the curtains surrounding the tablets and the box and cloth beneath the Ten Commandments probably represent the Ark of the Lord. The fire or light which protrudes from the tablets serves to signify the holiness of the objects. The fact that the tablets are floating above the opening of the box further reinforces the idea that the Ten Commandments are sacred. The human-like lions which stand on either side of the Ten Commandments symbolize the cherubim which guarded the Ark of the Lord. The two branches of leaves or flowers which are located on either end of the Ark probably represent the flowering of the Torah. The crown at the top of the Torah is probably symbolic of the crown which was worn by the High Priest. Reinforcing the importance of the Torah, the crown is also used metaphorically to signify its kingly, or royal status.

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