The Ark, which is a semicircular groined 
recess at the east end, is enclosed by a 
light and elegant bronzed railing, and is 
approached by circular steps.  On either 
side of the doors of the Ark, which are 
richly carved and gilded, are placed two 
elaborately carved pillars, supporting an 
entablature and cornice of cedar, which is
also gilded.  On the entablature the 
following sentence is written in Hebrew:

     
Over the Ark are placed the Tables of  
the Law, likewise written in Hebrew.

To open the Ark