CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
29. A Metal Etz Hayim
QUESTION: May a metal etz hayim be used in a Torah? An artist would like to use the metal support for decorative crowns as well as a more decorative lower handle for the Torah. Is this permissible? (Aaron Cushman, Philadelphia PA)ANSWER: There is some discussion of the Torah vestments and their status, however, even this is limited. There is none at all of the etz hayim which is considered one of the appurtenances of the Torah, and so possesses the same degree of sacredness as the various coverings or vestments (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 382,12 ff). There is no discussion about the material used for the etz hayim or how it should be produced. The name itself “tree of life” would indicate that wood has been used. This probably occurred for the very practical reasons that wood was always available. Decorative crowns sometimes made of silver were limited to wealthy congregations. When the etz hayim needed to be renewed it occurred without any ritual. In this period of environmental concern and our desire for a strong link with nature, we may prefer a wooden etz hayim as the name indicates. There is no good reason to change the material. Decorations may be applied to the top or the bottom without difficulty and this should be done.September 1990
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