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How is a Torah scroll kept and used in a synagogue?

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Jerusalem: Western Wall, Temple Mount — Judaism The Western Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem, all that remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount.

In Judaism, the Sefer Torah—the first five books of the Old Testament written on parchment—is treated with profound reverence as the Word of God.1

Storage

The scrolls are housed in the ark of the Law (aron ha-qodesh), an ornate cabinet located at the front of the synagogue that serves as the focal point of prayer and symbolizes the Holy of Holies of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem. Depending on the tradition, the scrolls are protected differently:12
* Ashkenazi (German-rite) Jews typically cover the scroll with an ornate cloth mantle and ritual ornaments.13
* Sephardic (Spanish-rite) Jews often enclose the scroll in a wooden or metal case.13

Usage

The Torah is removed from the ark for public readings during services on Sabbaths, festivals, and Monday and Thursday mornings. The removal and return of the scrolls are performed with a solemn ceremony, during which the congregation stands. The scroll is carried in procession to the reading desk or pulpit (bima), where the text is chanted. Following the reading, the scroll is returned to the ark.132