The bimah is the table upon which the Torah scroll is read. The location, in the center of the sanctuary, follows the older European tradition. The central location ensures that all can hear the reading of the Torah, and refers to the location of the sacrificial altar in the Temple in Jerusalem. In many American synagogues the bimah is placed in the front of the congregation near the Ark. In Sephardic synagogues the bimah is generally located in the rear or center.