PROTECT YOUR SYNAGOGUE'S MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT WITH
TORAH GUARDS
SEABROOK, Texas -- A reliable way to prevent wear and tear on your precious Torahs is available for the first time.
The design of Torah rollers is fundamentally flawed. The heavy scroll is sewn into the rollers, and when the Torah is lifted the parchment begins to sag, putting undue tension on the bindings. The scroll rolls unevenly, causing the edges to rub, fold and rip.
Torah Guards are specially designed wooden devices that guide the scroll as it is rolled, keeping it evenly balanced between the rollers. Torah Guards can be installed in a matter of minutes, with no disassembly, tools or adhesives required. Torah Guards provide the needed support to the scroll as the Torah is held up between readings and during its return to the Ark. Using Torah Guards will enhance the longevity of the Torah and prevent undue repair costs.
Newer Torahs may come with guards installed, but until now there been no source of guards to retrofit on your older Torahs.
Torah Guards are hand-made by Texas woodworker and artist Michael Ward, who first designed and built them while repairing Torahs in his own synagogue. Now he'd like to make them available so that synagogues everywhere may properly care for and maintain their most cherished possessions.
Please see the adjoining pages for more information.
UPDATE: Now shipping Version 2 "Snap Fit"
A new improvement has been made to Torah Guards- The Snap Fit. A combination of a small brass nail and some creative carving causes the Torah Guard insert to "snap" into place. Once in place, the nail head is captured by a small pocket inside the Guard and retains the insert in place, preventing slipping and falling out over time. This improvement should enhance the longevity of the Torah Guard and make it trouble free. The brass nail is completely embedded in the Guard and is not visible on the outside once installed. The insert makes a pleasant "snap" noise upon being correctly inserted, and does not prevent removal in the future.
We understand that some of our customers may object to the inclusion of "hardware" into the Torah Guard. In respect to them, Torah Guards may be ordered in version 1 or the new version 2 at the same price and with the same delivery schedule. The choice is entirely the Customer's preference. If not specified, I will ship Version 2, as I feel it is a great improvement.
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Text courtesy Ms. Kelly King, New Jersey. Thanks!