Two items are used to wrap the Torah scroll in eastern European communities: a binder and a narrow mantle. The binder is bound around the scroll and then the mantle is placed over it. A parokhet is hung in front of all arks. In addition, a kaporet is hung above the parokhet in many of the arks.

Binder, Trakai (Troki), Lithuania, 1838/9 (top)

181 × 31 cm

Linen fabric; embroidery in red cotton thread using filling stitch

Israel Museum, Jerusalem,

no. 172/2

The binder consists of one strip of thin linen fabric. The dedicatory inscription is embroidered in red thread, using filling stitch, along the entire length of the binder. Donated by Rachel, wife of Isaac Bez, to the synagogue of the ‘new Troki congregation’.

Binder, Poznań(?), nineteenth century (middle below)

193 × c.14 cm

Linen fabric with a printed floral design

The National Museum in Poznań, no.

MNP 128 Rw

The binder consists of two pieces of fabric printed with a floral design. One end is triangular. The hems are bound in an additional fabric, probably with a lining.

Binder, Poland, 1717/18 (below at foot)

205 × c.6.5 cm

Silk brocade fabric; embroidery

The National Museum in Poznań, no. MNP 308 Rw

The binder is a very long piece of fabric patterned with greenish-brown strips. The dedicatory inscription is embroidered along the entire length of the binder. Donated by Meir son of Dov Ber P[?] in honour of his son Meshulam Zalman.

Binder, Ła ńcut(?), Poland, late nineteenth century

184 × 10 cm

Cotton velvet fabric; embroidery in yellow cotton thread

Muzeum-Zamek w Łańcucie, no. MZŁ-DRM-201.

Photo: Maryna Szewczuk

The binder is a long piece of light blue cotton velvet consisting of two strips sewn together. It has a light-coloured lining. The dedicatory inscription, ‘Hinda daughter of Deborah’, is embroidered in yellow near the right-hand edge of the binder.

Mantle, Poland, 1896/7

65 × 41 cm

Ivory-coloured silk satin fabric (cloak); pink satin (appliqued pattern); embroidery in pink and yellow silk thread on a cardboard base; copper thread covered in silver; sequins; lengths of factory-made rickrack.