Obj. ID: 307
  Sacred and Ritual  Torah Shield (Galicia, 1800-1825?)

The silver Torah shield is rectangular and terminates with a semi circular arch. It consists of a plate.

Located in the center are arched hinged double doors with a geometric band between them. The shape of the doors follow the shape of the shield. An inscription written in square filled letters is located in the center of the doors, and it reads:

"קדוש## לה'"## "Holy to God"

A band decorated with a geometric motif is located above and below the inscription. A conch is located in the arch of the doors. A vertical band decorated with a geometric pattern divides the two doors. The doors open to reveal a Torah scroll inside. The Torah scroll has a star of David in it's center framed by a band above and below decorated with a similar geometric pattern. Surmounting the doors is an inscription written in square outline letters, and it reads: "כתר תורה"## "Torah crown"

 Located above the inscrition is an arch like scroll, a palemtte is located at the centerand it is flanked by a pitcher on the right and a rosette on the left. A foliate scroll frames the remaining three sides of the Torah Ark. Two symmetrical foliate scrolls are located in the arch. The shield is framed by an alternating line dot pattern and the edges are scalloped. Located in the arch is a coronet flanked by two hands performing the priestly blessing. A chain hangs from two rings at each upper corner and from a hole pierced at the top of the arch.