Torah Binder

Artist Unknown

1750

Long rectangular cloth folded in several places, with floral design on one side and Hebrew text on the other side, with image of person reading from the Torah and couple under a wedding canopy. — This richly decorated Torah binder is thought to be from Rechnitz, based on its dedication as a gift from Gitl bat Samuel for Samuel ben Leib of Rechnitz in 1750. The Torah binder (also known as a wimpel) was intended to accompany the male child through his lifetime, through the stages of his circumcision, bar mitzvah, and wedding. The associated Hebrew blessing is spelled out on the binder itself, with the bar mitzvah and wedding ceremonies graphically embroidered in silk and metal thread. A figure holds up a Torah scroll with the verse: “She [the Torah] is a tree of life to those who hold fast to her, and whoever holds on to her is happy” (Proverbs 3:18), while to his left a couple stands under a huppah, a wedding canopy, supported by four men.

This richly decorated Torah binder is thought to be from Rechnitz, based on its dedication as a gift from Gitl bat Samuel for Samuel ben Leib of Rechnitz in 1750. The Torah binder (also known as a wimpel) was intended to accompany the male child through his lifetime, through the stages of his circumcision, bar mitzvah, and wedding. The associated Hebrew blessing is spelled out on the binder itself, with the bar mitzvah and wedding ceremonies graphically embroidered in silk and metal thread. A figure holds up a Torah scroll with the verse: “She [the Torah] is a tree of life to those who hold fast to her, and whoever holds on to her is happy” (Proverbs 3:18), while to his left a couple stands under a ḥuppah, a wedding canopy, supported by four men.