OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIAL 5 



When the scroll is to be returned to the ark it is girded with a 

 wrapper or band (mappah), and inclosed in a mantle, both being 

 often of costly material and elaborately worked. Where the con- 

 gregation can afford it, the Torah scroll is adorned with a crown or 

 bells of precious metal, which are fitted over the upper ends of the 

 rollers, while around them are hung by a chain the pointer and a 

 breastplate, chased or embossed with religious emblems. Fre- 

 quently the scroll itself as well as its decorative appurtenances are 

 donated by private persons. Height, 18 inches. Palestine. (Cat. 

 No. 216158, U.S.N.M.) Bequest of S. S. Rowland. 



3-4. Torah scroll. — Manuscript written on parchment. Inclosed 

 in a cylindrical case of wood carved and gilt, surmounted by two 

 carved headpieces, called rimmonim. In the Orient carved wooden 

 boxes are often substituted for mantles of cloth. Height of scroll, 16 

 inches; height of box, 35K inches; diameter 15% inches. Tunis,, 

 North Africa. (Cat. Nos. 217, 676-677, U.S.N.M.) 



5. Miniature Torah scroll. — Printed on paper. Height, 3K inches. 

 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Cat. No. 154762, U.S.N.M.) Gift 

 of David Sulzberger. 



6. Silver breastplate of the Torah scroll. — Repousse work. On the 

 top, between two cherubims and surmounted by a crown, is a miniature 

 ark, the doors of which are in the form of the Tables of the Law, with 

 the Ten Commandments engraved thereon. Inside are the words in 

 Hebrew, "Holy Sabbath," and a sliding plate with the Hebrew names 

 of the various festivals on which the scroll decorated with the breast- 

 plate is used. Underneath, amid flower designs, are two crowned lions 

 holding an oval shield, which is engraved with a conventional tree and 

 the Hebrew words: "This was donated by Frieda Beile, daughter of 

 Elkanah Baruk, son of Moses the Levite." The whole is inclosed 

 by two columns, which are wound with flowers. Measurements, 11 

 inches high, 10 inches wide. (Plate 2 (upper). Cat. No. 154990,, 

 U.S.N.M.) Constantinople, Turkey. 



7. Silver breastplate oj the Torah scroll. — Representing the 12 stones 

 which were set in the breastplate of the high priest, as described in 

 Exodus xxviii, 15-21, with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel under- 

 neath them. Above are the words in Hebrew which were inscribed 

 on the golden frontlet of the high priest (Exodus xxviii 36): "Holi- 

 ness to the Lord." Underneath is the inscription, in Hebrew, "Gift 

 of Mr. Abraham, son of Simha Marcus, and his daughter Pearl and 

 his son Simha, in memory of his wife and their mother, Beila, daughter 

 of Judah and their parents, Simha, son of Meir, and Elka, daughter 

 of Abraham Judah, son of Menachem, and Pearl, daughter of Abra- 

 ham. In the year 5648, (1888), Boston, America." The whole is 

 surrounded by a border of vines. Measurements, 13^ by 13K 

 inches. (Cat. No. 154765, U.S.N.M.) 



