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To commemorate last year's 95th anniversary of the founding of Congregation Keneseth Israel, we are presenting the congregational family with a unique opportunity to fulfill an age-old mitzvah, the refurbishing of our Torahs. We look to every child, every parent, every grandparent, every student, every teacher, every generation of Keneseth Israel to be involved. Members of the congregation are invited to do more than simply witness the refurbishing of the Torahs. Opportunities to dedicate single letters, words, verses and larger sections of the Torah are available, allowing congregants to fulfill this sacred responsibility once in their lifetimes. Moreover, a dedication with meaning for a particular family or individual will create a personal and lasting connection to the Torah. Each gift will be recognized with a keepsake certificate. A permanent scroll listing the contributors will be displayed in the Charles and Figa Kline Multipurpose Room. Contributions will be used to refurbish the Torahs and establish an Endowment Fund to benefit the Keneseth Israel Religious School. The sofer, the scribe who writes the Sefer Torah, must be a Jew of learning and intense dedication. Each day, in preparation for the day's work, the sofer prepares with prayer and meditation. Not a single word may be written from memory; everything must be copied from a correct version of the text called a Tikkun, which is kept open and in front of the sofer at all times. Since the work must be perfect, the sofer works slowly. To write an entirely new Torah takes a full year. We have already begun! Our Religious School programs, study groups and other educational activities throughout the year will be coordinated with this restoration project. |
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Co-Chairpersons Linda Chmielewski |
Honorary Chairpersons Rabbi Daniel J. Feder |
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