Torah Shield (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- Torah shields are an important part of Jewish ceremonial art. They are both decorative and functional objects. They are used to protect the Torah scroll when it is not being used.
- Torah shields are often decorated with intricate designs and symbols. They are made of silver or other precious metals and are sometimes adorned with gemstones and other decorative elements.
- This Torah shield is made of silver. It features symbols that are often depicted on Judaic objects: a crown, bells, scrolls, and a dove.
- This object once belonged to Temple Oheb Sholom in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Learn More
Torah shields are objects of devotion in the Jewish tradition. These ornamental metal plates are hung by a chain in front of Torah scrolls and decorated with intricate designs and symbols. The Torah shield (also known as a Torah breastplate) is an important part of Jewish ceremonial art, especially in Ashkenazi (Central and Eastern European) Jewish communities. In the Ashkenazi tradition, the Torah shield is part of a decorative covering for the Torah scroll when it is not in use. Torah shields often serve a practical as well as a decorative purpose. They are based on similar breastplates worn by the ancient high priests in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Many Torah shields feature scenes from the Torah, symbols of the Jewish people, and other religious motifs. Some shields, including this one, feature a bird (usually a dove) at the top. This is a decorative element that symbolizes peace and freedom. Other symbolic elements on the Torah shield include bells, which are worn on the ancient Temple high priest’s ritual clothing. The designs on Torah shields vary by community and time period.
This Torah shield once belonged to Temple Oheb Sholom in Goldsboro. Temple Oheb Sholom is the second-oldest synagogue in North Carolina. A member of its congregation donated this shield to the synagogue, in memory of his parents. The work is crafted in silver and includes the “Crown of the Law (Torah)” above the central plaque, which represents the Torah reading. Below the central plaque is a cartouche, or carved drawing that represents a scroll with rolled-up ends. The donor’s dedication on behalf of his loved ones is engraved on the cartouche. It reads, “PRESENTED / BY / ARTHUR ROSCOWER / IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED PARENTS / 5681 GOLDSBORO 1921.” The oval plaque at the bottom of the shield is engraved with Hebrew text that translates to “Rosh Hashanah” and “Yom Kippur.”
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read an article about the Torah breastplate.
- Read an article about public readings from the Torah in Jewish rituals and on holidays.
- Visit the Jewish Museum website to view and read about a similar Torah shield.
Resources for Students
- Watch a video about the process of dressing, or covering, a Torah scroll.
- Watch a video to see how a Torah is lifted and dressed after a service ceremony.
- Explore another Torah shield in the NCMA collection.
Images
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Torah Shield
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AMERICAN, Torah Shield, 2015_12_2, view B
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AMERICAN, Torah Shield, 2015_12_2, hallmark detail