How It's Made: Torah Scroll

by Allison Ofanansky, Eliyahu Alpern (Illustrator)

Overview

“There is a strong sense of community and modernity as men and women and girls and boys all work together for this very special creation.” – Kirkus Reviews

Learn how a Torah scroll is made, step-by-step, in this photographic picture book.

Find out how parchment is scraped and stretched, how tree sap becomes ink, how a computer program checks for mistakes, and why people spend so much time and care making Torah scrolls by hand. Features more than 100 full-color photographs, plus fun do-it-yourself activities.

How It's Made: Torah Scroll can be used as an introduction to Torah or as part of units on Hebrew, Shabbat and holidays, mitzvot, or values.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681155166
Publisher:	Behrman House, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/04/2016
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

Editorial Reviews

Learn the many specific steps necessary to create a Torah.

The Torah is “the holiest text of the Jewish people.” The words written on the Torah scroll are commandments for living and stories of creation. They have been preserved and revered for countless generations. In this copiously illustrated book, the author and photographer provide step-by-step directions for making a Torah scroll, from preparing the parchment and ink to writing the words and decorating covers. Ofanansky frequently engages readers in the process by asking questions such as “What tradition do YOU like to keep” and also includes interactive features, such as matching the correct answers in columns. There are many factoids, as in “304,805 / The number of letters in a Torah scroll,” as well as quotations from those engaged in the process. Readers can also learn how to make a yad, or pointer, used when reading from the text. There is a strong sense of community and modernity as men and women and girls and boys all work together for this very special creation.

While those who attend Jewish services will likely find this the most attention-grabbing, this is still pertinent to readers interested in religious studies. (Informational picture book. 6-10) 

– Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

09/01/2016
Gr 1–4—This handsomely produced introduction to the making of a Torah scroll provides a step-by-step look at the process, from stretching an animal hide for the parchment to boiling gallnuts for ink to meticulously rendering all 304,805 Hebrew letters. Because Torah scrolls are primarily handmade, there is a great emphasis on the care and individuality inherent in creating each one. The thoughtfully written text begins with a definition and explanation of the importance of the Torah to the Jewish people and includes several prompts to engage readers: "What does the word 'Torah' mean to YOU?" "Why do YOU think we take such care to make Torah scrolls?" Abundant photographs offer a clear illustration of both the art and artists involved in making. It is important to note that this book includes women soferim (scribes), though this was typically a male role. Acknowledging this break with convention, the author asks, "What traditions do YOU like to keep? What traditions would you like to change?" Several suggested activities make the process accessible and include writing with a feather quill pen, making ink from berries and vinegar, creating a clay yad (pointer), and designing a Torah scroll cover. VERDICT Recommended for all Judaica collections, as well as those interested in the tradition of handmade objects.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal

2016-06-22
Learn the many specific steps necessary to create a Torah.The Torah is "the holiest text of the Jewish people." The words written on the Torah scroll are commandments for living and stories of creation. They have been preserved and revered for countless generations. In this copiously illustrated book, the author and photographer provide step-by-step directions for making a Torah scroll, from preparing the parchment and ink to writing the words and decorating covers. Ofanansky frequently engages readers in the process by asking questions such as "What tradition do YOU like to keep" and also includes interactive features, such as matching the correct answers in columns. There are many factoids, as in "304,805 / The number of letters in a Torah scroll," as well as quotations from those engaged in the process. Readers can also learn how to make a yad, or pointer, used when reading from the text. There is a strong sense of community and modernity as men and women and girls and boys all work together for this very special creation. While those who attend Jewish services will likely find this the most attention-grabbing, this is still pertinent to readers interested in religious studies. (Informational picture book. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews