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For other uses, see Yad (disambiguation).

A yad (Hebrew: יד‎, literally "hand"; Yiddish: האַנט) is a Jewish ritual pointer, popularly known as a Torah pointer, used by the reader to follow the text during the Torah reading from the parchment Torah scrolls.


A yad resting on an open Torah scroll.



A yad can be made of any number of materials, though silver is common, especially used in crowning the yad. The yad is often shaped like a long rod, capped by a small hand with its index finger pointing from it. In some cases a yad is covered with fabric.[1]

Other uses[edit]

The Hebrew word yad also refers to a memorial, based on the verse in Isaiah 56:5. Organizations with the word yad in their titles include:


  1. ^ a b Torah, JewFAQ. Ref. Date= February 10, 2012.