Up for sale is a Yad (also known as a Torah pointer or sefer Torah pointer), a traditional Jewish ritual object used during synagogue services to follow and point to the Hebrew text in a Torah scroll. This prevents direct finger contact with the sacred parchment, preserving its sanctity. Your Yad features a classic design: a slender, transparent glass rod (likely quartz or high-clarity glass for durability and light weight) serving as the shaft, capped at both ends with 925 sterling silver components. The pointing end has a finely detailed silver hand sculpture with an extended index finger (the "yad" or hand motif, symbolizing divine guidance). The opposite end has a silver cap with a loop for chain attachment. A detachable silver chain with a Star of David (Magen David) pendant is included, adding ornamental value. The blue circles in the photos highlight the 925 hallmarks on the Star of David and hand, confirming sterling silver purity (92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for strength). The overall finish has a subtle hammered or brushed texture, giving it an aged, artisanal patina.

This is a single, cohesive item (not multiple pieces), though the chain and pendant can be used separately as jewelry.

Item Details:

• Materials:

• Shaft: Clear glass tube, approximately 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) long and 0.25-0.5 inches (6-12 mm) in diameter, smooth and unmarked for a clean, elegant profile.

• Ends/Hand/Pendant: 925 sterling silver (hallmarked as shown), with the hand measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, featuring realistic detailing on fingers and palm. The Star of David pendant is a six-pointed hexagram, about 0.75 inches (2 cm) across, with openwork cutouts for lightness. The chain is a fine curb or ball style, roughly 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, with a secure clasp.

• Condition: Appears excellent for its age—minimal wear, no major dents, scratches, or discoloration on the silver (common patina from age enhances appeal). The glass is pristine and crack-free. No repairs or alterations visible.

• Aesthetic/Style: Traditional yet understated, with the silver's soft gray tone contrasting the clear glass. The hand's sculptural form evokes historical yads from the 19th-20th centuries, while the Star of David adds symbolic protection (representing the shield of David).

Age: Mid-20th century, circa 1940s-1960s (vintage, not antique). This dating is based on the minimalist glass-shaft design, which became popular post-WWII in Israeli Judaica production, and the clean 925 hallmark without additional date codes or maker's marks (common in mass-produced ritual items of that era). Similar yads from this period show comparable hammered textures and simple hand motifs. It's not 19th-century (those often have more ornate filigree or gem inlays), but the patina suggests 50-80 years of gentle use or storage.

Usage

• Primary: Ritual—held by the Torah reader (ba'al koreh) during services to trace verses precisely. The extended finger allows exact pointing without smudging ink or parchment.

• Secondary: Decorative or collectible. Can double as a necklace pendant (via the chain) for personal devotion, or displayed in a Jewish home altar/shrine. Not for everyday wear due to the fragile glass.

• Cultural Significance: Essential in Orthodox and Conservative synagogues; symbolizes respect for Torah (from Hebrew "yad" meaning "hand"). Often gifted for bar/bat mitzvahs or as heirlooms.

Origin: Likely Israel (or possibly Eastern Europe/Poland pre- or post-WWII diaspora). The 925 hallmark is a universal sterling standard adopted globally in the early 20th century, but this style—simple silver hand on glass with a Star of David chain—is emblematic of mid-century Israeli silversmithing from Jerusalem workshops (e.g., influenced by Hazorfim or similar artisans). No maker's mark is visible, but the unadorned design aligns with post-1948 Israeli Judaica exports. Eastern European origins are possible if from a pre-war Polish or Russian maker, but the clean lines point more to Israel.

Item dimensions: 9.25 in long × 0.5 in wide × 0.5 in deep  

Weight of item only: 1.8 oz