The Torah is clothed in prized ornamental
fabric dressings called
meilim
(mantles).
Jewish tradition requires active
participation from the women in preparing
vestments to honor the Lord and his Law.
These items have to be made following
Biblical recommendations for embroidery,
types of fabrics and designs, the use of rich
colors, golden threads and precious stones.
In some cases, the
meilim
were made of
fabrics that were originally used in clothing,
often petticoats. This most likely stems
from the fact that, in many communities,
the Jews were often actively engaged in the
textiles trade.
In the Sephardic communities of the
Mediterranean and Arab countries, the
meilim
were often replaced by a
tik
or Torah
case, generally made of wood embellished
with silver and precious stones.
Meil
Meil
, around XVIII century, Ferrara,
with embroidered floral motif and
fringe, height 52 cm
Meil
, around XVIII century, Ferrara,
with embroidered floral motif and
fringe, height 22 cm
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