The museum also displays several Torah arks from former synagogues in small towns in the region.

Besides meeting rooms, computer terminals and student lounges, the building will have four Torah arks where students from every branch of Judaism can hold religious services.

Raban also designed a wide range of Jewish objects, including Hanukkah menorahs, temple windows, and Torah arks.

An unusual feature of the temple is the fact that there are two hekháls (Torah arks), on either side of the door leading into the interior courtyard.

The interiors were decorated with wall and ceiling paintings that, in many cases, covered the walls and ceilings entirely, and with elaborately carved wooden Torah Arks.

TORAH TALK, will introduce families to Torah ornaments, crowns and finials, Torah arks and artworks inspired by Torahs, Sunday at 3 P.M. at the Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue, at 92d Street.

The Hebrew term for the ark, Aron ha-Kodesh, today signifies the part of the synagogue where the Torah scrolls are kept.

A synagogue always contains an ark, called aron ha-kodesh by Ashkenazim and hekhal by Sephardim, where the Torah scrolls are kept.