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It is a Tree of Life…
"Aitz ch'aim he lemachazekim ba…". "The Torah is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and its supporters are praiseworthy.” After every reading of the Torah this prayer (Proverbs 3:18) is recited. No matter what level of belief or observance, the Torah is the one symbol that unites the Jewish people: Sephardim and Ashkenazim, members of the range of religious movements and organizations, and those with no formal affiliation. It connects the past to the present and is a source for the future, L'Dor v’Dor…from generation to generation. The Torah brings together members of communities for learning and prayer and is the one object with which all Jews can identify.
Today, more than 60 years after the end of the Holocaust, there is the brief opportunity to rescue and restore Torah scrolls hidden, lost or stolen during the Holocaust and other world upheavals. These Torahs are located in basements, warehouses, bombed out buildings, and antique shops. Time is of the essence – these Torahs continue to deteriorate.
Without careful repair and restoration, these Torahs will continue to disintegrate, until such time as they can no longer be repaired. These Torahs need to be located, identified, acquired and repaired by a Sofer (a licensed Jewish Scribe), and re-dedicated for use. Our ultimate goal is to resettle each restored Torah where it can enrich the prayer and educational experiences of the community and serve as a continuing reminder of the community in which the Torah was originally used.
With the help of our donors and supporters we are rescuing and resettling Torahs around the world. Emerging Jewish communities in Boston and Maryland, resurging Jewish community centers in Japan, South America, Russia, the Ukraine, growing Jewish communities such as Afula and Beit Shemesh, Israel and a recovering congregation in New Orleans, in addition to many others, are all Save a Torah communities. College campuses and year-round camps are beneficiaries as well.
DONATE NOW!
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