A Torah Returns

Torah is a tree of life. These are the words we say lovingly, each time the Torah is raised after being read in the synagogue. The Torah is at the heart of Judaism, guiding us each day, precious, respected and revered.  The Torah indeed adds life and vitality to our days.

This Shabbos I watched the term "tree of life" take on a new meaning. Our Chabad House is fortunate to own a few Torahs. Amongst the Torahs living in the Aron Kodesh, one of our Torahs required repairs and refurbishing.  A family who is near and dear to us stepped up to the plate to return this Torah to its full glory in the memory of three beloved parents and in honor of a very special father.

The Torah was carefully delivered to Brooklyn where the Sofer (scribe) could lovingly restore the Torah, so it could return to being read from. What an incredible honor for the Torah! While the Sofer worked diligently in Brooklyn, the team here in Norfolk got to work planning schedules, menus and decor for the eventual welcoming back of the Torah.

This past Shabbos we welcomed this Torah back to its home, back to the Aron Kodesh at Chabad of Tidewater, and thats when the tears started.  When a Torah is returned to use, the other Torahs in the ark all come out to "greet" the new or returning Torah. My eyes filled with tears of joy as I watched the Torahs greet their "friend". The Torahs were lovingly walked out to greet the returning Torah, welcoming it back into the Shul. The entire congregation burst into songs of joy, dancing around and around, up and down, as the Torah passed one person after another, being gently kissed by each person on the way. The Torah is indeed a tree of life.

If this wasn't enough emotion for one day, I then caught a glimpse of my friend Susan, her sister, her daughters and her grandchildren, reaching out to touch this beautiful Torah. With the recent passing of Susan's mother, the emotions were practically tangible, as everyone reached out to touch her mother's Torah. As I watched, I felt like I watched a tiny bit of sorrow transform to joy in the knowledge that this family's loved ones would live on in our shul.  It was clear that a soul of a person can indeed be felt through the rededication of a Torah. I truly felt like I was watching the entire family reaching out and holding on to the most important people in their lives, knowing that now they have a vital part in the continuation of the Jewish people. The Torah is indeed a tree of life - and I am truly honored to have been able to join in the celebration and bear witness to the continuation of the Torah amongst the Jewish people.

A Jewish celebration isn't complete without food - and the kiddush following services was most certainly grand. Here is a recipe from the beautiful lunch we all shared together. Brownie recipe borrowed from my cousin Esty:)

Brownies 

Note: This recipe is for a 9 x 9 pan. I usually triple the recipe and use 2 9x13 pans. 

1/2 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla 
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour 
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together. Spray tray, pour in batter. Bake until toothpick comes out clean - about 20 minutes.  Enjoy!