Simchat Torah — Rejoicing in the Torah, the Jewish festival that celebrates the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings (and beginning of the new cycle), falls on Thursday-Friday, Oct. 16-17.
To mark the occasion, here are some images of the Aron ha Kodesh, or Ark — the place where Torah scrolls are kept — from a number of synagogues around Europe. We have also posted a Photo Gallery of Arks — you can submit your own photos to add.
The frame of the actual niche or cabinet was often elaborately decorated, to underscore the importance of the Torah.
So Enjoy! Rejoice!
