Mantles
This unique collection of Mantles (Torah Scroll Covers) were recently found in a cupboard under the ark at Sandys Row Synagogue where we expect they had been for over a century. After being dried out in the basement they were photographed then transported to the Bishopsgate Institute Archives storeroom for safe keeping and restoration. They are available for the public to view by making an appointment with the archives.
A mantle is a decorative cloth cover that is placed over the top of a Torah Scroll. They are often made of velvet or silk and decorated with embroidery and coloured thread. The most common decorations on the front of this collection of Torah Covers include: lions holding Luchot (Tablets) that have Hebrew letters or text on them relating to the Torah and sit beneath a large crown. The verses frequently found on the front of Torah Covers include “From Zion comes the Torah” and the words “Keter Torah”, which means “Torah Crown” and refers to its use as a Torah scroll decoration. Other decorations found on these Torah covers include Stars of David, Floral Patterns and Pillars.
Some of these Torah Covers were made for specific Jewish holidays and feature objects and verses relating to those festivals. Some were given as gifts to Sandys Row Synagogue and have been dedicated in memory of a member of the congregation or in honour of a special event (wedding, birth of a child, special celebration). The majority of these Torah Scroll Covers were made by the Ladies Holy Vestment Society of Sandys Row Synagogue. Some have been constructed from old curtains, dresses and even material used for train seats. They have been hand stitched and embroidered with sequins, gold thread and buttons and reflect the make-do-and-mend attitude of many of the working-class members of this Dutch Jewish community.
This unique collection of Mantles (Torah Scroll Covers) were recently found in a cupboard under the ark at Sandys Row Synagogue where we expect they had been for over a century. After being dried out in the basement they were photographed then transported to the Bishopsgate Institute Archives storeroom for safe keeping and restoration. They are available for the public to view by making an appointment with the archives.
A mantle is a decorative cloth cover that is placed over the top of a Torah Scroll. They are often made of velvet or silk and decorated with embroidery and coloured thread. The most common decorations on the front of this collection of Torah Covers include: lions holding Luchot (Tablets) that have Hebrew letters or text on them relating to the Torah and sit beneath a large crown. The verses frequently found on the front of Torah Covers include “From Zion comes the Torah” and the words “Keter Torah”, which means “Torah Crown” and refers to its use as a Torah scroll decoration. Other decorations found on these Torah covers include Stars of David, Floral Patterns and Pillars.
Some of these Torah Covers were made for specific Jewish holidays and feature objects and verses relating to those festivals. Some were given as gifts to Sandys Row Synagogue and have been dedicated in memory of a member of the congregation or in honour of a special event (wedding, birth of a child, special celebration). The majority of these Torah Scroll Covers were made by the Ladies Holy Vestment Society of Sandys Row Synagogue. Some have been constructed from old curtains, dresses and even material used for train seats. They have been hand stitched and embroidered with sequins, gold thread and buttons and reflect the make-do-and-mend attitude of many of the working-class members of this Dutch Jewish community.