Mizrah in the context of "Torah scroll"

⭐ In the context of a Torah scroll, the *Mizrah* is most directly related to the orientation of what feature within a synagogue?

Ad spacer

⭐ Core Definition: Mizrah

Mizrah (also spelled Mizrach, Mizrakh) (Hebrew: מִזְרָח, romanizedmīzrāḥ) is the "east" and the direction that Jews in the Diaspora west of Israel face during prayer. Practically speaking, Jews face the city of Jerusalem when praying, and those north, east, or south of Jerusalem face south, west, and north respectively.

In European and Mediterranean communities west of the Holy Land, mizrah also refers to the wall of the synagogue that faces east, where seats are reserved for the rabbi and other dignitaries. In addition, mizrah refers to an ornamental wall plaque used to indicate the direction of prayer in Jewish homes.

↓ Menu

>>>PUT SHARE BUTTONS HERE<<<

👉 Mizrah in the context of Torah scroll

A Torah scroll (Hebrew: סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה, romanizedSefer Torah, lit.'Book of Torah'; pl.סִפְרֵי תוֹרָה, Sifrei Torah) is a handwritten copy of the Torah, meaning the five books of Moses (the first books of the Hebrew Bible). The Torah scroll is mainly used in the ritual of Torah reading during Jewish prayers. At other times, it is stored in the holiest spot within a synagogue, the Torah ark, which is usually an ornate curtained-off cabinet or section of the synagogue built along the wall that most closely faces Jerusalem, the direction Jews face when praying.

The text of the Torah is also commonly printed and bound in book form for non-ritual functions, called a Chumash (plural Chumashim; "five-part", for the five books of Moses), and is often accompanied by commentaries or translations.

↓ Explore More Topics
In this Dossier

Mizrah in the context of Keter

Keter or Kether (Hebrew: כֶּתֶר, romanizedKeṯer, lit.'crown'; pronunciation) is the first of the ten sefirot in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, symbolizing the divine will and the initial impulse towards creation from the Ein Sof, or infinite source. It represents pure consciousness and transcends human understanding, often referred to as "Nothing" or the "Hidden Light". Keter is associated with the divine name "Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh" (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה‎), meaning "I Am that I Am", which was revealed to Moses from the burning bush, and it embodies the qualities of absolute compassion and humility. Its meaning is "crown", and it is interpreted as both the "topmost" of the Sefirot and the "regal crown" thereof.

Keter is positioned at the top of the Tree of Life, sitting above and between Chokmah on the right and Binah on the left, and above Tiferet. It is often depicted with three primary paths: one leading to Chokmah, another to Binah, and the third to Tiferet. This positioning highlights its role as the source from which wisdom (Chokmah) and understanding (Binah) emanate, and it emphasizes its connection to beauty and harmony (Tiferet), thereby facilitating the flow of divine energy through the sefirot.

↑ Return to Menu