Torah Binder
Koppel ben Moses Heller
1814
Credits
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 6.
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German Jews created Torah binders for young men from the swaddling cloths used during the circumcision ceremony. The Torah binder, used to wrap the Torah scrolls, symbolically linked the circumcision ceremony with the initiation into active practice in the community for an adult male. Most binders were designed and sewn by women. The gendered role for creation and use of the binder demonstrates how life-cycle rituals cemented distinctive roles, with men playing leading roles in synagogue life and women playing the role of facilitator. The Hebrew text reads: “Made for Menachem, called Mendl, ben Judah Loeb Schnaidack, born under a good sign on Thursday, 3rd of Marheshvan 5575.”
In what ways do the images on this Torah binder reinforce gender roles?
What is the symbolic relationship between the circumcision ritual and the bar mitzvah (initiation ceremony for a 13-year-old boy)?
Can you think of ways that this ritual, or one like it, could be transformed to have relevance today?