Hejal; South of France, first half of the 18th century.

Hejal; South of France, first half of the 18th century.
Rosewood and rosewood and fruitwood marquetry.
Preserves key.
Presents faults.
Measurements: 189.5 x 126 x 61.5 cm. A hekhal or Torah ark is an ornamental chamber of the synagogue that houses the Torah scrolls. The ark is also known as the ark of the law, or in Hebrew the Aron Kodesh or aron ha-Kodesh ('holy ark') in Ashkenazic communities and as the Hekhal ('sanctuary') among Sephardic communities. The name Aron Kodesh is a reference to the Ark of the Covenant, which was kept in the Holy of Holies in the inner sanctuaries of both the ancient Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. The hejar contained the Menorah, the Altar of Incense and the Table of Showbread.