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Our Torahs

 

 

 

Where Do Our Torahs Come From?

Congregation Beth Emeth is privileged to have 5 very special Torahs. Click for brief information about each -- where it comes from, what we use it for and why.

Photo by Susan Berger

Weisser Torah

The Weisser Torah, which we read on most Shabbatot, is on loan from the Weisser family via Shelley Langer.

Shelley's maternal grandfather purchased the Torah in memory of her grandmother after she died. Shelley's 
grandfather, who was very orthodox, kept it at the synagogue in New York where he worshipped until he died. Shelly's aunt then took it to her synagogue where it stayed for many years.

Unfortunately that area of New York was changing and it was feared that synagogue would close and our family would lose the Torah. Since Shelley and her husband Mike Rifkin were one of the few offspring active in a synagogue it was decided to bring the Torah to be used at Beth Emeth. Shelley's parents, sisters and several cousins all came to Beth Emeth the weekend they presented the Torah to our shul, and all participated in the service.

The Weisser Torah was originally going to be used only for special events, but everyone (especially the students) found the Weisser Torah easier to read from than the Torah which had been commissioned for CBE at about the same time, and started requesting it for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Eventually it was decided the this Torah would be used regularly.

Pinchas Torah

We use this Torah only for the special Pinchas portion which is read as the maftir on many holidays and on Rosh Chodesh  (more info being prepared)

Holocaust Torah

This Torah was rescued from the Holocaust and was brought to our shul by the Marks family.  This Torah is no longer strictly Kosher, so in the synagogue we only read the Zachor portion from it once a year. It is also used during the year for the 7th grade class services and our minyanaire's program.

Or Torah

Named for the word Or (light) embroidered on the Torah mantle, we read from the Or Torah on various holidays (more info being prepared)

Shema Torah

Named for the words Shema Yisrael embroidered on the Torah mantle.  We use this Torah for many holiday readings (more info being prepared)