Three items are used to wrap the Torah scroll in the Portuguese congregations: a wrapper, a binder (Portuguese fancha), and a mantle open at the front. The wrapper is rolled together with the parchment scroll, the binder is bound around both of them, and the mantle is then placed over the scroll. There is no parokhet in front of the Portuguese arks.

Binder, Amsterdam, eighteenth century(?)

297 × 11.3 cm

Light blue silk fabric; needle lace embroidery in ivory-coloured silk thread

Portuguese Synagogue, Amsterdam, no. PIG 0110

The binder consists of a long piece of light blue fabric that acts as the background for the lacework embroidered upon it in geometric patterns mirroring the shape of the binder. A short inscription is embroidered at the end of the binder, to which are sewn three ribbons joined together, from which extend two long ribbons used to tie the binder.

The dedicatory inscription is embroidered using filling stitches. It records the name of the donor: Rabbi A. Makabi.

Binder, Amsterdam, nineteenth century

231 × 13 cm

Patterned wool fabric in green, brown, and red; thin, undyed linen lining; black cotton ribbons. The patterned fabric is machine-sewn to the lining

Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, no. 019.014.029

The binder is in a woven wool fabric with a repeated pattern of a cartouche and a basket of flowers along its entire length. The end that is placed inside the Torah scroll is triangular. At the outer end are sewn three ribbons joined together, from which dangle two ribbons 103 cm long for tying.

Binder, Amsterdam, eighteenth century

395 × 17 cm

Green silk velvet fabric; embroidered in silk and silver thread using laid and couched stitch, filling stitch, and chain-stitch

Portuguese Synagogue, Amsterdam, no. PIG 0128b

A green velvet binder decorated with embroidery of curving branches bearing flowers that matches the shape of the binder. The outline of the patterns is in gold thread. The edges of the binder are embroidered with a repeated scroll pattern. At its outer end are three bands joined together for tying.