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Keepin' It Kosher

11/16/2018 02:32:38 PM

Nov16

"People of the Book" is a nickname given to, and later embraced by, the Jewish people. It describes our strict adherence to the written Torah and the oral tradition. Consequently, we take seriously our responsibility to preserve the integrity of the the original message, as much as possible. Only a Torah that is considered "kosher" may be read publicly in the synagogue. A kosher scroll is made using parchment, nerves (for binding), and quills, from only kosher animals. A scribal mistake or fading or cracking of the letters can render the entire scroll unfit for public reading.

At HTAA, since the time of the High Holidays, we encountered two such mistakes in two of our Torah scrolls. Rabbi Raphael Malka, a local scribe, recently visited our synaogue and repaired our scrolls. Click on the photos below to watch the scribe do his work. Then, come to shul this Shabbat to hear the Torah read in public. As we reflect on our rich history, we will also celebrate the present and future of our people, with our Youth Scholoar in Residence weekend. 

Please join us this Shabbat and rediscover your past, connect with our haimishcommunity, and become inspired for our future.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Suson

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784