The Torah Scrolls Lesson Objectives To know what

The Torah Scrolls Lesson Objectives: To know what the Torah scrolls are. To understand how treated with the scrolls are respect.

Homework • Design a security system to protect the Torah Scrolls but you must remember to keep the important features, like the ark, the same.

Key Terms • Parchment: type of paper the Torah is written on • Torah Scrolls: Jewish scriptures • Ark: Chest where Scrolls are kept • Yad: pointer used to read the Torah

Is there a book or a set of books that is/are important to YOU? Why? Think about the pictures in it (if there any), What the book is about, who gave it to you, where did it come from, what does it remind you of when they read it?

The Torah is important for Jews. God revealed it to Moses. treat it with the utmost respect. The Torah is always written by hand. This can take up to a year!

The Torah Scrolls • The Scrolls are made up of the first five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. This is called the Pentateuch • These books contain the early history of the Jews, from the creation of the world to the death of Moses.

Facts about the Scrolls • The Scroll is made from animal skin. Jews believe the Torah is unchanged.

Why is the Torah so important? It teaches Jews about God and gives rules on how they should live their lives.

How are the scroll shown respect? • In the synagogue when the scrolls are not being read, they are kept in the Ark • The Torah scroll has special coverings and ornaments. • It is not touched, Jews use a pointer (Yad) to read it. • The writing must be perfect.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of writing out a whole book by hand? ? ? Disadvantages Time consuming. It would be easier to use machinery and have copies made. Errors – if a mistake is made and it isn't realised until the end of the work – then this can be a problem. Advantages Reward from God Respect from community Time well spent in the service of God.

Questions 1. What is the Torah Scroll made of? 2. What is written on the scrolls? 3. If you did not know what the Torah scroll was, how could you tell it was special? 4. What is the Torah ‘dressed’ in? 5. What is the Yad? 6. Where are the scrolls kept? BBB : What would you do to show that an object was special and why? E. g. wash your hands so you were clean when you touched it.

Students will learn about how a Torah scroll is made and its importance to Jews. Students will be able to appreciate the care that goes into making something beautiful and important.