Because the Torah is the most sacred text in Judaism, the tradition is to adorn the scroll with expensive silver piece. These pieces include Rimonim, Torah Pointers, Breastplates and Torah Crowns.
Torah crowns are exactly what image their name evokes – a crown that sits atop a closed Torah scroll. The vast majority of Torah Crowns have a solid, uniform exterior although some made not be completely sealed. They are hollow and typically have two large rings at or near the bottom. The rings are placed over the top holders of the Torah and they keep the Torah in place.
Torah crowns are almost always made from Sterling Silver and sometimes have gold accenting. This is because of the Jewish tradition to use the most expensive material for the purpose of Mitzvot as well as the fact that other materials are more fragile than metals.
Torah Crowns are usually decorated with filigree floral designs or Judaica themes. Some of the most popular Judaica themes are the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and their different symbols. The top most section often is a representation of the Tablets or a small crown echoing that which a king would wear. Other popular designs include representations of Jerusalem. Stars of David are often incorporated into the design. Bells are also a common decoration on Torah Crowns and their purpose is to announce to the public that the word of G-d is present and to act accordingly. Gemstones and crystals are typically not present although this is possible for those who would like them present.
Torah Crowns very often feature verses from the Torah, specifically verses that speak of the Torah’s divine nature and the Torah being the source of life. One especially popular verse is the verse that reads in Hebrew “Ki Mitzion Tezteh Torah U’D’var HaShem MiYerushalayim”, or “From Zion comes the Torah and the word of G-d from Jerusalem”. This verse is very often accompanied by a depiction of Jerusalem.
It is uncommon for people to own a Torah. Consequently, Torah Crowns are seldom personalized. However, because these items are often donated to Synagogues to adorn Torah Scrolls, they are often in memory or in honor of a loved one. For this reason it is possible to have names molded or engraved into the crown.
For more information about Torah Crowns or other Judaica items, feel free to contact our Judaica experts with any questions or concerns.
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It is a popular tradition within Judaism to decorate and beautify objects used to perform the commandments, or mitzvot. One of the best ways to show respect for the commandments and show how beloved they are to us is to decorate a Torah scroll with various silver and gold Ornaments. One of the most popular ornaments used to decorate the Torah are silver Torah crowns.
Torah crowns are exactly what their name suggests – crowns. They are almost always made of silver and have bells hanging off o the sides. Inside there are two holes which attach the crown to the top of the Torah.
When selecting a Torah crown, the options are endless. Although the Torah crown is almost always made of a precious metal such as brass, copper, silver and gold, almost anything can be done in order to create a beautiful Torah crown. The crown can have Sterling Silver or gold bells or both if you choose to have both. Some of the most common Torah crown designs have Jerusalem or the 12 tribes on them, with a miniature representation of the Luchot, or Tablets, on top. It is possible to combine all of the together if you choose to. Torah crowns with the 12 tribes on them often have the symbol of each tribe engrave or molded into the crown as well. Other popular designs are simpler and consist of vines and flowers with a verse from the Torah along one of the edges.
A Torah crown is a great way to honor a relative or mark a special celebration. By engraving the date of the occasion or lifecycle event or the name of the relative you wish to honor on the Torah crown, your event or relative will never be forgotten as it will be visible for all to see.
