Torah Pointer (Yad) Fred Fenster (b. Bronx, NY, 1934) Sterling silver with gold and inset spider turquoise and onyx 1997, USA 44.58 This was a museum purchase with funds provided by Pegge and M. Robert Garfield, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. The onyx crystal takes on the role of the pointing finger, [...]
Torah Pointer (Yad) Silver 1975 44.52 This was a gift of the HUC-JIR faculty on the occasion of HUC-JIR’s 100th anniversary. The shaft between the two knops is characterized by floral filigree.
Torah Pointer (Yad) Silver, cast, filigree work, 9 3/8 in. Early 20th century, Palestine Gift of Dr. Lee M. Friedman 44.41 A Hebrew inscription on this yad lets us know that it was made at the Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. The design near the top of the handle resembles a crown, perhaps referring to the [...]
Torah Pointer (Yad) Ivory, 9 ¾ in. 19th century, Europe 44.21 This yad, made entirely out of ivory, stands out from its metal counterparts. Three simple knops keep the piece balanced.
Torah Pointer (Yad) Silver with precious stones, Possibly Yemen, 20th century 2017.17.474
Torah Pointers Performing the Priestly Blessing Mark Podwal (b. Brooklyn, NY, 1945) 2017, USA Acrylic and colored pencil on paper, 20 x 16 in. 2018.5.12 Mark Podwal created this piece for an exhibition that took its inspiration from Judaica in the B’nai B’rith collection transferred to the Skirball Museum in 2015. In this piece, he [...]
Torah Pointer (Yad) Silver and Ivory 2015.17.473 A burgundy velvet ribbon adds a pop of color to this unique yad. A Crown of Torah adorns the top part of the ivory section, while ornate patterns decorate the silver section.
Torah Pointer (Yad) Silver, 10 ½ in. St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888 B’nai B’rith Klutznick Collection, gift of Joseph B. and Olyn Horwitz 2015.17.470 This yad is engraved with a leaf and vine motif that runs along its entire length. Inscribed on the upper knop is a clue as to how it came to its Russian [...]
Torah Pointer (Yad) Cast brass, 9 in. 20th century, Middle East B’nai B’rith Klutznick Collection, gift of Joseph B. and Olyn Horwitz 2015.17.468 Unlike most yads, which are made of silver, this yad is made of brass with a high copper content, meant to imitate gold. The inscription on the yad says, ‘Adonai is One [...]
Torah Pointer (Yad) Silver, turquoise, and precious stones, 8 ½ in. Israel, 1950 B’nai B’rith Klutznick Collection 2015.17.467 This yad is unique—instead of being made of pure silver or gilt, it is decorated with turquoise and gems.
