The Hebrew word on this necklace, 'chai,' meaning life or expressing a wish for health and longevity, was formed with letters taken from an early 18th-century Italian Torah binder in the permanent collection  of The Jewish Museum.  The original binder is made of linen with silk embroidery. 

 

A Torah binder, from German-Jewish culture, was customarily presented on the birth of a boy and included his name, birth date and blessings.  Each was different, but embraced the main themes of Torah: honoring one's parents and wishing for a fruitful marriage under the chuppah (wedding canopy).  Often, the handmade binder was then donated to a synagogue and used to hold together the staves for the fabric-wrapped Torah.

 

Antique silver 

Leather cord: 20" long