"The Guiding Hand: The Barr Foundation Collection of Torah Pointers" Exhibit Opening

Be dazzled by over 100 antique and contemporary Torah pointers, known by theHebrew word yad for hand. The yad is used to keep one’s place in the Torah scroll, the central text of the Jewish faith, which is densely hand-written in Hebrew. Created by artists from different ages and cultures and made of diverse materials including wood, precious metals, jewels, ceramics, paper, and more, these yads chronicle the timeless, universal aesthetic guide in reading the Torah. The collection was formed by Virginia resident Clay H. Barr, who began collecting Torah pointers nearly three decades ago in memory of her late husband, Jay D.A. Barr. In addition to acquiring pointers that represent thehistoric forms of the object, she continues to commission creative new yads from contemporary artists such as Tobi Kahn, Wendell Castle, and Albert Paley. Transcending religious iconography, this exhibition appeals to all who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of fine art.

5:30 p.m. Reception

6:15 p.m. Clay H. Barr, President of the Barr Foundation Judaica, discusses America’s largest and most diverse private collection of Torah pointers. Join us for this informative presentation that will offer insight into the formation of the collection, its diverse craftsmanship, and the role of these instruments as a guiding hand in thespiritual journey of the Jewish people.Reservations recommended.