Torah Pointer

Origin: Dutch or North German
Date: Late 17th - early 18th century
Medium: Silver (cast, chased, engraved)
Lent by the Jewish Museum; Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman, L1997.052.0006

Since it is not considered proper to touch the Torah scroll with the naked finger, the reader often uses a pointer to follow the text. Frequently the pointer ends in the image of a hand -- here, the silver hand itself holds a miniature pointer.

The proportions and decoration of this pointer are particularly elegant. Starting from its base (where the hanging chain is attached) it is divided into four progressively smaller and simpler sections. The section that the reader would hold has elaborate spiral decoration, combining broad and narrow grooves with a flat band of engraved floral ornament. The next section has a simpler version of the spiral, then comes the hand, and finally the pointer it holds.

The transition from abstract spiral decoration to the naturalistic hand is cleverly managed with a ruffled cuff, as if the hand were emerging from a richly embroidered sleeve.