Congregation Anshei Israel has commissioned the creation of a new Torah as part of a yearlong celebration of its 83rd anniversary, or “Second Bar Mitzvah.”
A kick-off event, the “Mitzvah 613 Torah Fair” on Sunday, Dec. 16, will allow participants to fulfill the 613th commandment by sharing with others in the creation of a new Torah. The fair will begin at 9 a.m., when attendees will have the opportunity to write an 83rd anniversary “mazel tov” message on a mock “Torah of History,” a paper scroll that Anshei Israel will display at significant events in the coming year. Israeli scribe Zerach Greenfield will demonstrate the writing of a Torah and answer questions. Breakfast will be available while various learning stations are offered,
including “Bima-phobia,” where participants can learn about opening and closing the Ark and other honors on the bima; a station where staff will help people find particular verses or Torah portions they may dedicate to honor Jewish life-cycle events and special achievements, or memorialize the loss of a loved one; a family art project to create an image of a Torah scroll and a family tree; another art project to make an artistic, stylized sign of one’s Hebrew name; and a cookie “Torah”-making (and eating) station for children. Everyone can participate in a sing-along. The fair will conclude at 11 a.m. when a Torah will be completely unrolled and encircle the children.
Other celebratory events will be held throughout the year, with a Torah Project Siyum on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, to showcase the completion of the new Torah.
For more information, contact Michelle Ollanik at 745-5550, ext. 225.
