What is the silver pointer used to read the Torah?
yad
A yad, or a Torah pointer, is a ritual pointer used by readers to keep their place during Torah readings. Yad—a Hebrew word—translates to “hand,” and the Torah pointer functions as such. In Judaic tradition, it is considered disrespectful to touch the Torah, a sacred religious text, with bare hands.
What is a Torah pointer called?
The yad is a tool part of the kele kodesh, the holy vessels that adorn the Torah, the sacred text of Judaism. Yad in Hebrew literally means “hand”: they are in fact pointers for reading the Torah, which usually end up in a shape of a closed hand with the index finger extended.
Why do Jews use a pointer when reading the Torah scroll?
Jews use a pointer to keep their place when reading from the Torah scroll. This is to show respect for the scroll and to prevent the readers from spoiling the parchment by touching it with their fingers. The pointer is called a ‘Yad’ which means ‘hand’ because it is in the shape of a hand with a pointing finger.
How much is a yad?
Compare with similar items
| This item Yad Torah Pointer | Yair Emanuel Hand Painted Wooden Yad – Torah Pointer With Stand 7 Species Design (TP-3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars (23) | 4.8 out of 5 stars (21) |
| Price | $2699 | $40.00$40.00 |
| Sold By | YourHolyLandStore | GEFEN JUDAICA |
| Item Dimensions | 9.9 x 1 x 1 inches | 9.5 x 2.6 x 2 inches |
What does yad stand for?
YAD
| Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|
| YAD | Yet Another Day |
| YAD | You Are Dead |
| YAD | Yet Another Disconnect |
| YAD | Youth Alliance for Diversity |
What is a yad in Judaism?
The word ‘Yad’, in Hebrew means hand, which also reflects the use of the object. The pointer is used by the reader to indicate their place during a reading of the Torah (Jewish scriptures), which happens during prayer, or on holy days such as Sukkot.
What does minyan mean in English?
Definition of minyan : the quorum required for Jewish communal worship that consists of ten male adults in Orthodox Judaism and usually ten adults of either sex in Conservative and Reform Judaism.
What is the meaning of tallit?
Definition of tallit : a shawl with fringed corners worn over the head or shoulders by Jewish men especially during morning prayers.
How do you use a Torah pointer?
At one end of the pointing stick, a cast representation of a hand with an outstretched index finger. A yad was used during the public reading of the Torah, since the Jewish tradition prohibited touching the scroll containing the holy scriptures with a bare finger.
What is the difference between a tallit and an tallit Katan?
There are two kinds of Tallitot. Tallit Katan (Small) is an item that can be worn over or under clothing and commonly referred to as “Tzitzit” and is worn daily. Tallit Katan comes in different sizes. Some boys from the age of three are already starting wearing it.
What is the difference between tallit and tzitzit?
Tzitzit are the fringes that religious Jewish males wear under their shirts, while the tallit is the traditional Jewish prayer shawl. Most of the Torah’s commandments govern Jews’ behavior toward one’s fellow man and toward God.
What is the chair of Elijah in the synagogue?
According to Jewish tradition, the Prophet Elijah is present at every circumcision, protecting the baby boy. And so “Elijah’s Chair” is the name given to the seat of the godfather who holds the infant during this ceremony.