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Torah Breast Plate and finials

Torah Breast Plate and finials

This sterling silver set of Torah ornaments consists of two identical finials or rimmonim and 1 breast plate or tas . Each finial is composed of two smooth columns which make up one third of the length of the object. A solid pomegranate-like sphere is affixed to each of these columns. This object is surrounded by six bells which hang down over the column. Six embossments of flowers appear on each of these spheres. Small ornaments of lions are attached to each of these objects. On the right finial, six lions surround the sphere while on the left finial only three are present, the others having broken off over time. A small hollow column attaches the lower sphere to a smaller upper sphere. With the exception of this size difference, the upper sphere is almost identical to the lower one. While both finials originally had six bells attached to the upper sphere, the left finial currently only has five bells. A small crown, from which protrudes the star of David, is affixed to this upper sphere.

The decor of these finials reveal many important Jewish symbols. In the first instance, the sphere-like objects resemble pomegranates (which is actually the literal translation of rimmonim), which were considered to be the finest fruits in ancient Israel. Consequently, objects resembling pomegranates were often hung from the High Priest's robe. In addition, copper pomegranates were placed on the columns of the Temple. Pomegranates were also given particular importance in Talmudic literature. According to Talmudic scholars, when one saw a pomegranate in a dream, one was really seeing a Torah. Given the symbolic significance of pomegranates and the fact that two staves on which the finials are placed are called the keter torah "trees of life," the pomegranate-like objects, until recently, formed part of the finial decor.

The bells are important in that they recall the bells which were, like the pomegranates, hung from the High Priest's robe. The lions serve to symbolize the cherubim which guarded the Holy Ark. The crown placed on top of the upper sphere symbolizes the crown of priesthood. In addition it represents the kingly nature of the Torah. This motif most-likely derives from the fact that a crown or wreath is typically placed on the person who starts the new cycle of Torah reading on Simchat Torah. The Star of David which is affixed to the top of the crown is a common symbol of Judaism.

The breast plate contains twelve varieties of coloured stones, each of which represents a different tribe of Israel. Below each of the stones, the name of the respective tribe is written in Hebrew. A small star of David appears at the top of the plate. The outer rims of the plate are decorated with a floral motif, which symbolizes the blossoming of the Torah. The breast plate is believed to resemble the type of plate which was worn by the High Priest of the Temple. Although the exact date of production for this finial and breast plate set are not known, the style of the breast plate is typical of those produced in nineteenth century Germany.

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