[Erik nods once, looking around like he's seeing a different building, filling in the details. Memories he hasn't considered in a long time. He's half turned toward the dais, painting the picture without turning his back to Alex. He gestures with one hand.]

The Ark would be here. When I was a boy, there were only one Torah inside, but I've heard of temples keeping more. Five at least. and they'd be dressed - with a velvet cord to keep the scroll together, a matching dress to protect the parchment, and a crown.

[It's a stunning sight in his memory, even in the poor little synagogue he attended as a child. It was destroyed on Kristallnacht, the Torah burned.]

And the eternal light-- [He breaks off for a moment, lowers his head and smiles just a little ruefully.] It hangs over the Ark, a reminder of God's eternal presence.

[There's a wryness in his tone; he misses the culture of his childhood, appreciates it, but he doesn't believe anymore.]