What is the color of the Torah?

The Torah text is hand-written in black ink on panels of leather parchment, usually in columns of 42 lines. Then the panels are sewn together to make a single continuous scroll.

The text consists of the Hebrew consonant letters only. There are no vowels, punctuation, divisions of chapter or verse, chant notes, or decoration marked in it. Reading from the scroll with correct pronunciation and separation by verse comes from familiarization with the text through study.

When the scroll is read publicly in traditional chant during a synagogue service, the reader has studied the portion in advance, reviewing pronunciation and verse structure, and memorizing the chant prescribed for each Word or phrase.

In the most traditional congregations of educated individuals, it's completely

acceptable for others to correct the reader's errors, softly but audibly, giving him the opportunity to repeat the Word or phrase correctly, and render a whole, accurate and proper reading.

The Torah Scrolls are also devoid of images. If you have seen a Hebrew scroll with pictures or calligraphy other than the text itself, it is likely a Scroll of Esther, for which ornamentation is permitted.

Further information:

If you saw colors, perhaps it was the velvet mantle in which the Torah-scroll is contained when not being read. The mantle can be any color, though dark blue or maroon is common; and it is embroidered with silver or gold lettering which records such info as who donated the scroll.