Img. ID: 23431
The readers' desk is built in the centre of the synagogue, below the clerestorey, forming a centralised liturgical space (see: main photograph). The desk faces the ark and together with the main entrance creates a west-east axis.
The teivah is a free standing rectangular structure comprising a platform bordered by panels topped by a banister, which enclose an inner space. The space is reached from the west through a self-supporting ogee-arched gate, inscribed: “I have set the Lord always before me" (Ps. 16:8). The spandrels of the gate are decorated with lace-like scrolls, and are topped by a panel with a citation from Psalms, written in square filled Hebrew letters.
A rectangular table for reading the Torah is placed on the east side, and is set on top of a cupboard. It is covered with a carpet. Two small built chairs flank the table on either side (see: Remarks no. 1), while two additional chairs for the elders of the community, are set on both sides of the gate.
The surrounding banister and the cupboard’s façade are divided into rectangular panels enclosing geometrical patterns painted white with pink frames. A balustrade comprising small columns runs along the upper edge of the reader’s desk, whereas in front of the Torah ark, it has a higher arched construction.
Two identical menorah plaques flank the entrance gate. Additional plaques inscribed with prayers are placed above the table.
Two columns, with twisted white and blue stripes, rise from the two side chairs.
Three elongated benches are placed on the outer north, south and east sides of the teivah as part of the seating arrangement.