A Sefer Torah (Hebrew: ספר תורה; plural: ספרי תורה Sifrei Torah ; "Book(s) of Torah" or "Torah scroll(s)") is a handwritten copy of the Torah or Pentateuch, the holiest book within Judaism. It must meet extremely strict standards of production. The Torah scroll is mainly used in the ritual of Torah reading during Jewish services. At other times, it is stored in the holiest spot within a synagogue, the Aron Kodesh ("Holy Ark"), which is usually an ornate curtained-off cabinet or section of the synagogue built along the wall that most closely faces Jerusalem, the direction Jews face when praying.
The text of the Torah is also commonly printed and bound in book form for non-ritual functions. Then it is known as a Chumash ("five-part", for the five books of Moses), and is often accompanied by commentaries or translations.
Read more about Sefer Torah: Usage, Production, Types of Material Permitted To Use For A Sefer Torah, External Decorations, Inauguration of A Torah Scroll