A yad is a silver pointer used to follow the
words in a Torah scroll as it is being read. The word 'yad' in Hebrew
means 'hand' and a yad ends in a tiny hand with a pointing finger.
As the reader chants the Torah portion at the synagogue service, he
moves the yad along the lines, preventing the damage which could result from tears of
using a fingertip to indicate the words being read. Its use emphasises the preciousness of
the Torah to the Jewish people.
