Torah mantles & crowns – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Why do Torah scrolls have mantles and bells?
A. When not in use, the scroll is covered as a mark of reverence and respect; the words of the Torah are holy and divine, and neither they nor the parchment on which they are inscribed must be treated frivolously.
So important is the mantle that it is beautifully embroidered, often with symbols like the Ten Commandments and lions of Judah and appropriate Biblical quotations. Eastern communities generally place their Torah scrolls in elaborately fashioned wooden or silver cylindrical cases.
The bells or crown not only represent the majesty and authority of the Torah but as the scroll is carried around the synagogue their tinkling reminds the congregation to stand reverently.
This is probably connected with the rule that the high priest had to have bells on the hem of his garment so that he would not enter the Holy of Holies unannounced. Likewise there is an ethical requirement not to enter anyone’s premises, even one’s own, without ringing the doorbell, knocking, or some other means of announcing his or her presence.
