A TSTI First: Writing Our Own Torah
“Write down this song,
and teach it to all the children of Israel”
Deuteronomy 31:19
During the year 5770, one extraordinary mitzvah will be achieved at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. The 613th mitzvah of the Torah – the final and last commandment -- instructs each and every one of us to write a new Torah (N.B. Moses Maimonides “Ramban” said that, “if one writes or fills in just one letter in a Torah scroll, it is as if they have written it in its entirety.”)
For the first time in our congregation’s history, we will be writing a complete Torah – all 304,805 letters and all five books. For most of us, this will be the first and only opportunity we have to fulfill this important commandment.
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel has engaged an esteemed Torah scribe and educator, Zerach Greenfield, to help us fulfill the mitzvah of writing a Torah.
Everyone in our community -- from pre-schoolers to grandparents -- will be able to participate in this effort. Both public and private scribing sessions will be available by appointment. Members can also dedicate an entire book of the Torah, a weekly portion, a verse or even a letter in celebration of this occasion.
and teach it to all the children of Israel”
Deuteronomy 31:19
During the year 5770, one extraordinary mitzvah will be achieved at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. The 613th mitzvah of the Torah – the final and last commandment -- instructs each and every one of us to write a new Torah (N.B. Moses Maimonides “Ramban” said that, “if one writes or fills in just one letter in a Torah scroll, it is as if they have written it in its entirety.”)
For the first time in our congregation’s history, we will be writing a complete Torah – all 304,805 letters and all five books. For most of us, this will be the first and only opportunity we have to fulfill this important commandment.
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel has engaged an esteemed Torah scribe and educator, Zerach Greenfield, to help us fulfill the mitzvah of writing a Torah.
Everyone in our community -- from pre-schoolers to grandparents -- will be able to participate in this effort. Both public and private scribing sessions will be available by appointment. Members can also dedicate an entire book of the Torah, a weekly portion, a verse or even a letter in celebration of this occasion.
Upcoming Events:
Sunday afternoon, November 8 Torah writing event with Scribe, Zerach Greenfield*
Sunday evening, November 8
Zerach Greenfield, Lecture: "How I Stole 50 Torahs from Sadaam Hussein" and Dinner
Monday morning, November 9
Scribe Zerach Greenfield visits the pre-school
Friday evening, November 13
Shabbat Speaker: Dr. Carol Meyers, Professor, Duke University, "Exodus: History, Memory and Community Identity"
Sunday morning, November 15
TorahFest: Religious school assembly & Workshops
Sunday afternoon, November 15
Torah Writing Event with Scribe*
* Sessions are by appointment. See Temple website for updated calendar and details.
From Co-Chairs Andrea Baum & Susan Present
Our entire congregation is invited to our festive Simchat Torah celebration on Friday, October 9th at 7:30pm to help launch our historic effort. In the spirit of unity, much of Temple programming for the coming year will involve the L’dor Vador Torah Project. In addition to working with the scribe, a wide variety of classes, lectures, events and informal learning opportunities have been planned throughout the year for members of all ages. There is something for everyone. Look for more information in this newsletter, on the temple website, and in special mailings.
The last letter of our new Torah will be completed at a wedding ceremony in September 2010, in effect marrying our new Torah to the congregation.
Write in the Torah. Encourage fellow TSTI members to participate. Volunteer. Attend learning opportunities throughout the year. We look forward to sharing this journey with you – it’s the “write” mitzvah at the right time.
Andrea Baum & Susan Present, L’Dor Vador Torah Project Co-Chairs
Our entire congregation is invited to our festive Simchat Torah celebration on Friday, October 9th at 7:30pm to help launch our historic effort. In the spirit of unity, much of Temple programming for the coming year will involve the L’dor Vador Torah Project. In addition to working with the scribe, a wide variety of classes, lectures, events and informal learning opportunities have been planned throughout the year for members of all ages. There is something for everyone. Look for more information in this newsletter, on the temple website, and in special mailings.
The last letter of our new Torah will be completed at a wedding ceremony in September 2010, in effect marrying our new Torah to the congregation.
Write in the Torah. Encourage fellow TSTI members to participate. Volunteer. Attend learning opportunities throughout the year. We look forward to sharing this journey with you – it’s the “write” mitzvah at the right time.
Andrea Baum & Susan Present, L’Dor Vador Torah Project Co-Chairs
Marjorie & Michael Francis Generously Underwrite Torah Project
Michael Francis recalls riding his bike to religious school at Temple Israel as a young boy, where his parents Irwin and Beatrice were active and committed board members in the 1950s. His bar mitzvah was among the first held in what was then the ‘new’ building.
When his daughter was married eight years ago, Rabbi Cohen officiated, and Francis was reacquainted and reunited with the childhood synagogue he warmly remembered, now Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.
Rabbi Cohen recently spoke to the Mr. and Mrs. Francis about the positive impact a Torah writing project could have, uniting Temple families around a common, spiritual theme. They eagerly lent their support with a major gift.
“We are excited about helping bring this to the community. I have always held the Torah in high regard, and proudly make this gift is in memory of my parents,” said Mr. Francis. “This will be something very special for our congregation. We are looking forward it, especially seeing children experience the torah up close.”
Michael Francis recalls riding his bike to religious school at Temple Israel as a young boy, where his parents Irwin and Beatrice were active and committed board members in the 1950s. His bar mitzvah was among the first held in what was then the ‘new’ building.
When his daughter was married eight years ago, Rabbi Cohen officiated, and Francis was reacquainted and reunited with the childhood synagogue he warmly remembered, now Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.
Rabbi Cohen recently spoke to the Mr. and Mrs. Francis about the positive impact a Torah writing project could have, uniting Temple families around a common, spiritual theme. They eagerly lent their support with a major gift.
“We are excited about helping bring this to the community. I have always held the Torah in high regard, and proudly make this gift is in memory of my parents,” said Mr. Francis. “This will be something very special for our congregation. We are looking forward it, especially seeing children experience the torah up close.”