Platform in the SYNAGOGUE on which the reading desk stands. Traditionally it is located in the centre of the building. Among PROGRESSIVE Jews, however, it is usually situated in front of the ARK. The TORAH is read here. An alternative name is ALMEMAR. Among SEPHARDI Jews it is referred to as tebah.
Reprinted
with permission from A
Concise Encyclopedia of Judaism,
by Dan Cohn-Sherbok. Oneworld Publications