Up for sale is a lot of two Yads (Torah Pointers), which are a traditional Jewish ritual object used during Torah readings in synagogues. The Yad allows the reader (often a rabbi or cantor) to follow the text on a Torah scroll without touching the sacred parchment with their fingers, preserving its sanctity.

Usage:

• Primary: Ritual Torah pointer during synagogue services (Simchat Torah or Shabbat readings).

• Secondary/Modern: Decorative bookmark for books or Bibles; could double as a page clip for journals or planners. Some wear it as a necklace pendant for cultural symbolism (the pointing hand represents guidance and protection in Jewish tradition).

Yad #1: Vintage-Style Beaded Torah Yad Pointer - Faux Silver Hand Clip with Black Onyx Glass Beads & Engraved Accents - Judaica Bookmark Decor

This particular example appears to be a decorative or costume jewelry version rather than a high-end sterling silver ritual piece. It's not a necklace per se, though the chain could allow it to be worn as a pendant; the functional design emphasizes its role as a pointer, with the clip-like extension at the tip of the pointing hand possibly for securing it to a page or scroll edge when not in use.

Item Details:

• Materials:

• Chain and Core Structure: Thin metal chain (faux silver, likely base metal like nickel or pewter alloy, plated for shine) at the top for hanging or attachment.

• Beads and Accents: A series of strung beads along the shaft, including:

• Black faceted beads (likely glass or plastic simulating onyx or jet, semi-precious stone look).

• Clear/white iridescent glass beads (frosted or milky appearance).

• Engraved metal tube beads (faux silver with intricate geometric and floral patterns, possibly inspired by Middle Eastern or Levantine motifs; these are hollow or lightweight, suggesting base metal).

• Brass-toned spacer rings and accents (yellowish metal bands for contrast).

• Pointer End: Silver-toned metal hand sculpture with an extended index finger pointing forward, ending in a small hook or clip (functional for gripping paper/pages or attaching to a bookmark chain). The hand has detailed molding, including knuckles and a wrist band.

• Design Style: Ethnic/Judaic with ornate, bohemian influences— the engravings on the metal beads resemble traditional filigree work from Israeli or Eastern European Jewish artisanship. The color palette is dark and elegant: black, silver, white, and gold tones.

Age: Likely mid-20th century (1950s-1980s) or modern reproduction (post-2000). The style mimics vintage Israeli Judaica from the post-WWII era, when mass-produced decorative yads became popular souvenirs for tourists visiting Israel. No hallmarks or stamps indicate it's not antique sterling silver. If it's older, it could date to the 1930s-1940s artisan workshops in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, but the plastic-like beads suggest a more recent costume version. To confirm age precisely, consult a Judaica appraiser; without hallmarks, it's hard to pinpoint beyond "vintage-inspired."

Origin: Probably handmade or mass-produced in Israel (common for Judaica souvenirs) or by Jewish artisans in the U.S./Europe during the mid-20th century. The engraved patterns echo Ottoman-influenced Israeli silversmithing, but the faux materials point to tourist-grade production from places like Jerusalem's Old City markets.

Item dimensions: 7.25 in long × 0.25 in wide × 0.25 in deep  

Weight of item only: 0.4 oz

Yad #2: Handmade Vintage Beaded Torah Yad Pointer with Star of David Chain - Arts & Crafts Style Judaica Ritual Hand, 1960s Folk Art

Elevate your Torah readings or Judaica collection with this stunning, one-of-a-kind vintage yad! Crafted in the whimsical arts and crafts style of the 1960s, this Torah pointer features a soft burgundy felt-wrapped handle bursting with hand-applied glass beads, rhinestone gems in pink and blue, and intricate gold thread embroidery. The silver-toned metal hand pointer—complete with an extended index finger for precise text-following—attaches to a 10-inch blackened chain ending in a protective Star of David pendant with a sparkling blue cabochon.

Item Details:

• Materials: Felt fabric, glass beads/rhinestones, metallic thread, pewter/brass alloy hand, silver-tone chain.

• Origin: Likely American or Israeli folk art, perfect for synagogue, home study, or display.

• Materials and Construction:

• Handle: Covered in deep burgundy-red felt or velvet-like fabric, wrapped and stitched with elaborate gold metallic thread embroidery in floral and geometric patterns, reminiscent of paisley or Eastern motifs.

• Decorations: Heavily adorned with glued-on and sewn glass beads, sequins, and faux gems in vibrant colors—prominent pink and blue cabochons (possibly rhinestones or acrylic), gold metallic accents, and smaller seed beads in red, gold, and clear. The top features a twisted gold-wire finial or tassel-like cap.

• Pointer Tip: Cast metal (likely pewter or brass alloy with a silver finish) hand sculpture, showing patina and minor wear, with engraved detailing on the cuff and finger.

• Chain and Pendant: Attached via a loop at the handle's top, a chain in blackened silver-tone metal, ending in a Star of David (Magen David) pendant with a central blue cabochon (possibly glass or synthetic sapphire). The chain allows it to be worn as a necklace or hung for display.

• Age Estimate

  Mid-20th century (circa 1960s-1980s), likely handmade as a hobby or small-batch craft project rather than mass-produced. The glued beads and felt covering suggest amateur or artisan construction, common in post-WWII American or Israeli Judaica workshops. It's not antique (pre-1900) but qualifies as "vintage" due to the patina, fabric aging, and style reminiscent of era-specific craft kits. No maker's marks are visible, which is typical for one-off pieces.

• Origin: Probably American or Israeli, given the fusion of Jewish symbolism with bohemian embellishments. The felt-and-bead technique echoes American Jewish women's craft circles (e.g., Hadassah fundraisers) or Israeli artisan markets in the mid-century. Similar items appear in Etsy listings for "vintage Turkmen-inspired Judaica," but the color palette and chain style point more to U.S. folk art influences.

Item dimensions: 7.6 in long × 0.6 in wide × 0.6 in deep  

Weight of item only: 1.3 oz

Condition Description:

Yad #1 - Excellent— no visible scratches, tarnish, or missing beads. The faux plating has a subtle patina, adding to a "vintage" charm without wear. Yad #2 - Good vintage condition with some expected wear—light fraying on the felt edges, minor glue residue around beads (suggesting hand-assembly), and tarnish on the metal parts. No major damage, chips; some missing beads and gems.