Chapter Four The Torah Mantle
Chapter Four The Torah Mantle
This chapter highlights the Torah mantle, which was the last of the ceremonial objects to evolve for the wrapping of the Torah scroll. Just as garments reflect the status of their wearers in all cultures, so the mantle plays a similar role. Thus, a mantle is donated not only in order to protect the scroll, to give thanks to God, or to commemorate someone who has passed away; it is also a means of acquiring social status in the congregation and demonstrating one's wealth. This is especially evident in congregations in Italy and the Portuguese diaspora, whose mantles compete with each other with their wonderful gold embroidery, even though most of them lack any inscription or Jewish content. Flaunting wealth in the synagogue by donating ceremonial objects is especially ingrained in the Sephardi and Italian heritage as a result of the restrictions placed by rabbis on wearing sumptuous outer garments so as not to arouse jealousy among non-Jews. In contrast, in Ashkenazi congregations, the social status of the donors is demonstrated primarily through the use of honorific titles in the dedications, though beautiful embroidery and luxurious materials may be used to enhance the effect.
Keywords: Torah mantle, ceremonial objects, Torah scroll, social status, Italy, Portuguese diaspora, synagogue, Sephardi diaspora, Ashkenazi congregations, honorific titles
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