The Sephardic Qumran Torah

#TO-8
2008, Aluminum polycarbonate and wood.
Height 120cm, Diameter 42cm.
Signed by the artist.

Over two thousand years ago during the Hasmonaim dynasty (2nd-century B.C.E),
the Essenes settled in the ancient city of Qumran in the Judean desert by the Dead
Sea. They stored the holy scrolls in cylinder shaped canisters. During archeological
diggings in 1951-1956 the Torah scrolls were found in excellent condition.
The top and bottom of the Torah cylinder are made of aluminum and are
reminiscent of the ancient jars in which the scrolls were found. Aluminum was
chosen for its lightweight and durable shine. The cylinder is made of thin wood
and covered with a polycarbonate. The polycarbonate is carved with text like the
Torah parchment; the outside thus mirrors the inside. The crown is made of a
three-tiered aluminum structure decorated with pomegranates (“rimonim”) and
verses from Psalms (“tehillim”). Gold plated hinges highlight the design.
Each work is signed by the artist.