Scroll. In ancient times parchment scrolls were the form of books. Letters were also written on scrolls. Biblical books used in the SYNAGOGUE continue to take this form, notably the scroll of the law from which the TORAH portion is read. Its plural form, megillot, is used specifically to refer to the five biblical books SONG OF SONGS, RUTH, LAMENTATIONS, ECCLESIASTES and ESTHER. The term megillah also refers to the tenth TRACTATE in the MISHNAH order of MOED. It deals with the reading of the Scroll of Esther on PURIM, and enumerates scriptural readings for special SABBATHS, FESTIVALS and FAST days. In addition, it contains regulations for the care of synagogues and holy objects.
Reprinted
with permission from A
Concise Encyclopedia of Judaism,
by Dan Cohn-Sherbok. Oneworld Publications