Images(5)

Torah Pointer

Date1843-1844

OriginEngland, Birmingham

MediumSilver; gold (gilding)

DimensionsL. of Yad: 11"; L. of chain (doubled): 13 1/2"; OL (with chain doubled): 24 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase and Hugh Trumbull Adams Fund

Object number2018-326

DescriptionSilver Torah pointer: Long wand of quadrangular section, engine-turned and engraved with foliage, with medial band flanked by foliage. One end of yad with foliate engraved knop with suspension ring (now bent) and hanging chain. The other end with applied case hand with extended index finger with ring. Traces of gilding on hand.
Label TextThe Yad, which literally means hand, can be interpreted as a representation of the hand of God and is used as a pointer during Torah readings, allowing the synagogue officials to follow the text without physically touching the sacred Scrolls. The chain on the yad was used to suspend it from the Torah scrolls when not in use. The history of the Torah pointer may reach as far back as the 11th century; but the earliest known example of a yad dates to the late 15th century, originated from Ferrara, and is now in the Nahon Museum in Jerusalem. Yads were made from an assortment of materials including various metals and wood. By the early 1600s, however, silver was the predominant material and many, like Colonial Williamsburg’s 19th century example, depict a hand at the pointer end.
MarkingsMarked in relief below knop on end: 1) lion passant; 2) sovereign's head duty mark (Victoria); date letter "U" for 1843-44; and 4) an anchor for Birmingham