“Write down this song,
and teach it to all the children of Israel”
Deuteronomy 31:19
During the year 5770, one extraordinary mitzvah is being 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 are writing a complete Torah – all 304,805 letters and all five books. 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 – has been participating in this effort. Both public and private scribing sessions are being scheduled appointment – and there are only four final dates this spring!
Members can are also generously dedicating entire books of the Torah, weekly portions, verses or even a letter in celebration of this occasion and the simchas in their lives.
and teach it to all the children of Israel”
Deuteronomy 31:19
During the year 5770, one extraordinary mitzvah is being 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 are writing a complete Torah – all 304,805 letters and all five books. 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 – has been participating in this effort. Both public and private scribing sessions are being scheduled appointment – and there are only four final dates this spring!
Members can are also generously dedicating entire books of the Torah, weekly portions, verses or even a letter in celebration of this occasion and the simchas in their lives.
The ‘Write’ Mitzvah at the Right Time
As a community, we are coming together around 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 enjoyed by members of all ages.
Here’s what fellow congregants are saying about their experiences:
This was truly an emotional experience. Len and I were part of a refurbishing of a Torah when we were part of the Sharey Tefilo Congregation in East Orange many years ago, so it was even more moving to be part of the creation of our own Torah for Sharey Tefilo Israel Congregation in South Orange. We are thankful for this opportunity.
-Len and Audrey Weiss, long-standing members
New to TSTI, participating in L’dor Vador Torah Project was an unbelievable way to feel welcomed into the community. Sitting with the scribe, the significance of participating in what will likely be a once in a lifetime opportunity, was palpable to my husband and me. Together we created a memory for my children – while still too young to fully appreciate – will no doubt treasure as they get older.
- Jane Randel, new member
The torah writing experience was a wonderful way for our entire family to share in the bar mitzvah journey together. We gained a greater understanding of my son's torah portion through our discussions with the scribe and an appreciation of both the ancient traditions and modern advances that influence the mechanics of creating a Torah. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I hope my children will remember for years to come.
- Gail Kanef, parent of bar mitzvah age son
We highly recommend meeting with Zerach Greenfield, and learning about the skills and history surrounding the art of being a Torah scribe. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience and being a part of this very worthy TSTI project. It is a great opportunity to learn with your children. - Robin and Jeff Karp
We enjoyed dedicating part of the congregation’s new Torah because it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we could share as a family. We learned about the elaborate process of creating a Torah. Our 8 year-old daughter, Ceci, said it was “informative” and thought it “cool to be in the Torah” with a dedication personally selected to resonate with our family. Our 5 year-old daughter, Sadie, liked it because “you get to hold the pen!” It was meaningful on so many levels!” - Alanna Kaplan-Munoz and Pablo Munoz
We were thrilled to participate in the Torah project and share a session with the scribe. It was a wonderful family experience and enhanced our understanding of the value of Torah. Zerach’s tools illuminated the process of the scribe’s work and his stories added a wonderful spiritual and historical perspective. Each of us will have an on-going, deeper appreciation of the Torah because of our participation in the program. Our only regret is that we didn’t have our parents join us in fulfilling the 613th mitzvah!
- Robbie & Adam Weissenberg
As a community, we are coming together around 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 enjoyed by members of all ages.
Here’s what fellow congregants are saying about their experiences:
This was truly an emotional experience. Len and I were part of a refurbishing of a Torah when we were part of the Sharey Tefilo Congregation in East Orange many years ago, so it was even more moving to be part of the creation of our own Torah for Sharey Tefilo Israel Congregation in South Orange. We are thankful for this opportunity.
-Len and Audrey Weiss, long-standing members
New to TSTI, participating in L’dor Vador Torah Project was an unbelievable way to feel welcomed into the community. Sitting with the scribe, the significance of participating in what will likely be a once in a lifetime opportunity, was palpable to my husband and me. Together we created a memory for my children – while still too young to fully appreciate – will no doubt treasure as they get older.
- Jane Randel, new member
The torah writing experience was a wonderful way for our entire family to share in the bar mitzvah journey together. We gained a greater understanding of my son's torah portion through our discussions with the scribe and an appreciation of both the ancient traditions and modern advances that influence the mechanics of creating a Torah. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I hope my children will remember for years to come.
- Gail Kanef, parent of bar mitzvah age son
We highly recommend meeting with Zerach Greenfield, and learning about the skills and history surrounding the art of being a Torah scribe. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience and being a part of this very worthy TSTI project. It is a great opportunity to learn with your children. - Robin and Jeff Karp
We enjoyed dedicating part of the congregation’s new Torah because it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we could share as a family. We learned about the elaborate process of creating a Torah. Our 8 year-old daughter, Ceci, said it was “informative” and thought it “cool to be in the Torah” with a dedication personally selected to resonate with our family. Our 5 year-old daughter, Sadie, liked it because “you get to hold the pen!” It was meaningful on so many levels!” - Alanna Kaplan-Munoz and Pablo Munoz
We were thrilled to participate in the Torah project and share a session with the scribe. It was a wonderful family experience and enhanced our understanding of the value of Torah. Zerach’s tools illuminated the process of the scribe’s work and his stories added a wonderful spiritual and historical perspective. Each of us will have an on-going, deeper appreciation of the Torah because of our participation in the program. Our only regret is that we didn’t have our parents join us in fulfilling the 613th mitzvah!
- Robbie & Adam Weissenberg
From Co-Chairs Andrea Baum & Susan Present
As a community, we have a wonderful year in store. In the coming months, much of Temple programming 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. Puruse the calendar on this website, check back here for frequent updates, look for more information in the newsletter, and in special mailings.
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
As a community, we have a wonderful year in store. In the coming months, much of Temple programming 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. Puruse the calendar on this website, check back here for frequent updates, look for more information in the newsletter, and in special mailings.
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
Participation and Dedication Opportunties.
Making a gift in celebration of the L’dor Vador Torah Project at a level appropriate for you and your family is a way of expressing your commitment to Torah, to Judaism and to the future of our Temple.
A variety of dedication opportunities have been created to offer congregants many options. Your gift can be a way to honor or remember a family member or friend, or commemorate a special simcha.
Funds from the Torah Project will enrich Temple programming, support significant projects, and sustain and strengthen our long-term resources.
Dedication Opportunities
Download Dedication Page
Making a gift in celebration of the L’dor Vador Torah Project at a level appropriate for you and your family is a way of expressing your commitment to Torah, to Judaism and to the future of our Temple.
A variety of dedication opportunities have been created to offer congregants many options. Your gift can be a way to honor or remember a family member or friend, or commemorate a special simcha.
Funds from the Torah Project will enrich Temple programming, support significant projects, and sustain and strengthen our long-term resources.
Dedication Opportunities
Download Dedication Page
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.
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