'The Guiding Hand' Exhibit at The Margolis Gallery

The Margolis Gallery of Congregation Beth Israel presents The Guiding Hand, an exhibition of Torah pointers, (known as yads) from past and present. The exhibition, courtesy of Barr Foundation of Virginia, will be on view through Dec. 6, beginning with an opening reception and speaker on Thursday, Sept. 19. 

The Guiding Hand exhibition features more than 150 yads, including exquisite pieces created from a variety of materials, such as wood, silver, graphite, paper and more. Some are ornamented with gold, ivory and jewels, including pieces up to 300 years old. 

The yad has become an artistic chronicle of how Jews read and relate to the Torah. For thousands of years, Jews used single tapered wooden sticks to point the way through the densely written text of the Torah without touching the fragile parchment. Over the millennia, the yad – the pointer – has developed into a unique form. 

The Guiding Hand is presented courtesy of Barr Foundation of Virginia. The exhibition design is courtesy of Bernard Museum of Judaica Temple Emanuel of New York City. The Holocaust Museum lent the gallery display cases. 

The opening exhibition and reception will take place Thurs., Sept. 19, 6-8 p.m. RSVP to Rene Schwartz at [email protected] or call 713-771-6221 x630

The Margolis Gallery is located inside Congregation Beth Israel, overlooking the pristine Wolff-Toomim Meditation Garden. Exhibitions are presented free of charge to Temple members and the entire Houston community. Gallery hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays, until 4 p.m; Saturday morning hours vary, Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and after Shabbat services on Friday nights.