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yad
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Yad, European, 19th century Hebrew alphabet
Quick Facts
Hebrew:
“hand”,
Plural:
Yadayim
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yad

Judaism
Also known as: yadayim
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History

yad, in Judaism, a ritual object, usually made of silver but sometimes of wood or other materials, that consists of a shaft affixed to a miniature representation of a hand with its index finger pointing. The yad is used optionally in liturgical services to indicate the place that is being read on a Torah (biblical) scroll, thus eliminating the necessity of touching the sacred manuscript with the hand. Many yadayim are prized as works of art.