Bells on the Torah

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Today is Simchat Torah, the rejoicing with the Torah scrolls, carrying them around the synagogue with dancing and singing.
 The annual Torah reading cycle is completed and begun anew.
 The end of the fifth book of Moses is read, the scroll is rewound, and the first part of Genesis is chanted.

The closest I have gotten to a Torah scroll this year is in museums. 
The Israel Museum has these beautiful finials (the ornaments placed on top of the wooden handles of the scroll).
Please click a few times on the photo to see the little bells up close.

Here  above you can read the whole story, courtesy of the museum.

Particularly interesting is this part:

The majesty, glamor, and renown  of the great Portuguese Synagogue of Amsterdam--the Esnoga--reflected the aura of wealth that enveloped the distinguished members of the community.
The same is true of the Portuguese community's splendid Torah ornaments, which were manufactured by eminent Dutch*  silversmiths.  . . .
Adorned with many bells, the tower-shaped finials were clearly inspired by the steeples of Dutch churches.
At times one can even identify the exact tower that served as a model.

*i.e. Christian artisans, so I take it
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For more on the subject please follow my labels: Torah,  Simchat Torah.
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