Glossary

The entries selection comes from the book “Dictionary of Judaica” (2005), which was written by a group of authors led by Eva Kosáková . Entries were further processed by Jaroslav Kuntoš, Dana Veselská, Olga Sixtová, Michaela Scheibová and Lenka Uličná. The book can be purchased at our e-shop.

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Holy Ark (Aron ha-kodesh)

A sacred chest where the Torah scrolls* are kept. It is placed in the eastern wall of the synagogue towards Jerusalem and may be firmly attached to the building structure or built against the wall. Usually, it is architecturally designed in the form of a gate built on a high plinth with projecting columns and an expressive shield. The space for storing the scrolls is enclosed by a two-leaf lockable door and covered by a synagogue curtain* and valance*; the plinth may contain storage space for other less frequently used objects. The upper edge of the curtain may be covered by a wooden form whose shape and ornamentation resembles a valance, sometimes provided with wings along the sides. The Holy Ark is usually made of wood, polychromed or decorated with carving; sometimes, it may be a niche in a wall of the synagogue or a brick structure faced with stone, artificial marble or coated with stucco. It is usually adorned by the tablets of the Ten Commandments, lions, architectural motifs and other symbols. The size of the Holy Ark is based on the dimensions of the synagogue space. Among the common motifs of synagogue ornamentation are the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Holy Ark comprises a pair of rectangular tablets with a semi-circular upper end, the surface of the tablets usually inscribed with an abbreviated version of the Ten Commandments written in Hebrew. Most frequently, the tablets are used as a decorative element in the upper part of the Holy Ark; they are placed on the top of the Ark, usually with an architectural design in the shape of a shield. Usually, they are made of wood, decorated with carving and polychromy, although metal is sometimes used. The size of the tablets of the Ten Commandments corresponds to dimensions of the Holy Ark.The depiction of two lions rampant is one of the most popular decorative Jewish motifs. The lions are usually placed in the upper corners of the Holy Ark or on the columns in front and carved of wood and polychromed.

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