Torah finials – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Why are finials (Torah ornaments) called rimmonim – pomegranates?
A
. Pomegranates are one of the seven minim or characteristic fruits of Eretz Yisra’el. But of all the seven they are the only fruit that were an essential part of the Temple ritual and decor. As symbols they figured on the Temple pillars and were attached to the high priest’s robes.
As pomegranates were compact containers, Jewish folklore associated them with wisdom and plenty, and the Talmud says that “even the most empty of Jews is as full of good deeds as the pomegranate”.
Why Torah bells are called rimmonim may be because the pomegranates and bells on the hem of the high priest’s robe informed the people that he was approaching the Holy of Holies, and the tinkling bells as the Torah scroll is carried around the synagogue warn the congregation to rise and be reverent.
