CCAR RESPONSA
See-through Fabric for an Ark Curtain
5754.20
She’elahA group of people in our congregation is working on a plan to replace the current needle-point Torah curtain with
one made out of light fabric, which would enable Torah scrolls to be seen at all times. The new curtain is to be
opened when the Torah is to be taken out and read. At present some members of the congregation stand whenever
the Ark is opened and the scrolls are visible. Would people be obligated to stand or be otherwise discomforted if
this change were to occur in the fabric of the parochet? (Rabbi Arnold S. Task, Alexandria, LA)
TeshuvahThe origins of the Ark curtain go back to the curtain in the wilderness Tent1 and later the Jerusalem Temple.
When the Romans came and entered its holy precincts, so the story goes, their general pierced the curtain with his
weapon, firmly believing that he would thus kill off the secret being within.
The parochet may be seen as a parallel to the incense which, according to most biblical scholars,
was meant to hide the Divine Presence. Halachically, the parochet partakes of the sanctity of the Ark and
may not be disposed of when it can no longer be used.2
While standing up when the Ark is opened is not, according to the Halachah, a requirement,3 many Jews are
so accustomed to it that indeed they feel discomfited when they find themselves in the presence of the scrolls
without rising in their honor. For them, standing up when the scrolls of the Torah come into view becomes their
acknowledgment that they are in the presence of holy objects. Many Jews would therefore consider a see-through
curtain something of an oxymoron.
Much is to be said for this point of view. For it would tend to further demystify the kelei kodesh, at a
time when we should promote respect for the holy, the basic meaning of which is “something set apart.” In
contrast, what is always on view is, in the end, not seen at all.4
We would therefore discourage anything that further enfeebles this apperception, Perhaps the fabric can be
thickened sufficiently so that the shape of the scrolls may be seen in vague outline only. But barring this possibility,
we would counsel against using the proposed materials.
Even if there are but few of your members who would feel uncomfortable with the proposed parochet,
their sensibilities ought to be respected.
Notes
Exodus 26:33.
SA, OC 154:3.
BT. Sotah 39a; SA, OC 146:4. Turei Zahar ad loc.
It is noteworthy that the Rama (R. Moses Isserles) refers to the Ashkenazic custom of removing
the parochet from the Ark altogether during Tisha b’Av. SA, OC 559:2.
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.