Morristown Shul Buys First Sefer Torah After 30 Years!
MORRISTOWN [CHI] — Many will be surprised to learn that after thirty years in existence, the community Shul of Morristown, Bais Hamikdash, Bais Haknesset, Congregation Levi Yitzchok, is still without its own Sefer Torah.
For years, many felt a small community, consisting mainly of educators, would be unable to raise the fund necessary to purchase their own Sefer Torah. Yet a bold campaign was launched at the beginning of 5769 to prove that notion wrong.
The Congregation wanted a Sefer Torah written specially for its Shul, as opposed to buying an existing one. As a result, a goal was set by Ezra Solomon, the Shul’s president. The money for a Sefer Torah would be raised and the Torah written and completed during the year 5770, with G-d’s help.
Immediately after that announcement, a young man walked up to the Bimah and handed over fifty cents. This was all he had, saying that he wanted to get the ball rolling, giving a blessing for the success of the campaign.
The blessing worked, and donations began pouring in.
One week before the end of 5769, CLY was still $10,000.00 short of the half-way mark required before placing the order, and it seemed unlikely that the Sefer Torah would be ready on time if not ordered then.
With full Betochon, once again a vigorous campaign was launched in order to raise the remaining money, and around $8,000.00 was raised
On the day before Rosh Hashana, 5769, the community bank account was still $2,000.00 short of the target. Ezra began texting and emailing people to try and raise the funds before the deadline.
All day Ezra’s cell phone and email were running hot, like a broker on the stock exchange, $20 from one person, $180 from the next, and so on. Two hours before Rosh Hashana the doorbell rang. It was the Solomon’s Rosh Hashana guest, delivering flowers. She expressed, with excitement, that she had been following, with interest, all the hourly emails showing the count-down of money required to meet the target.
She asked how much was still needed, and due to the hectic response from the community, the exact amount had still to be calculated. With that she left and Ezra began his calculation.
As he finished calculating, there was another ring on the bell – the same lady was back – “Have you forgotten something?” No, she said, “May I come in?”
She asked how much was still left to make up the deposit, and with the answer, took out her check book and wrote out a check for the exact figure!
Imagine the excitement in Shul on Rosh Hashana 5770, when Ezra announced that the target to place the order for a New Sefer Torah had been reached.
Soon after Rosh Hashana Rabbi Wilschanski went to Rabbi Klein in Crown Heights to select a Sofer to commence with the project. The Israeli Sofer was quite popular, and it was unlikely that he would be able to complete it in time. It was decided to stick with him, as he was the chosen by Rabbi Wilschanki, even if it would take longer.
Needless to say, not long after giving him the go ahead, and commencing the writing by Rabbi Klein in Morristown, a call informing us that the Sefer Torah that the Sofer had commenced for someone else was now available for us, and would IY’H be completed on time. The rest is history.
The Sefer Torah has now arrived from Israel and is sitting with Rabbi Klein in Crown Heights awaiting the balance of the money to be paid. Then, its completion ceremony will take place Morristown.
With this exciting news, the campaign to raise the balance of $20,000 has commenced. Can this be achieved in the year 5770? We will report on the progress, but given the miraculous history of this story, the chances are excellent!
If you would like more information or to contribute to this cause please contact Ezra Solomon at reb.ezra.solomon@gmail.com
Morristown
Go reb ezra ur the best u showed us over and over again who u r thanx
Morristown rocks
Go ezra mazel tov
Fellow anash member
A great step in the right direction!
Now its time to sever the umbilical cord and get a shul that belongs to the community.
Rabbi in Sydney, Australia
Wishing you every success with your campaign.
CLY in Morristown deserves all the support from everyone who has a connection there.
I will be sending some tzedakka accross and challenge everyone to help Congregation Levi Yitzchok get it’s sefer Torah ASAP – and to reach their target before Rosh Hashana.
Hatzlacha Rabba Rabbi Wilschanski, Reb Ezra, and all those connected- Morristown is fortunate to have Reb Ezra there – we still miss him in Sydney
Friend in Sydney
Hey Reb Ezra
We just knew you would do great things in Morristown
Much success with your project
Hope you get a lot of financial response – the sooner you get the Sefer Torah, the better for Morristown
Morristown Member
CLY is a great place to be. It’s time for us to have our own Sefer Torah.
We are in the month prior to Rosh Hashana, and perfect timing to give tzedakka for this amazing, believable and historic happening.
Thanks Reb Ezra
Ezra Solomon
Thanks for all the wonderful responses. CLY is striving as a result of the actions of its members backed by the tremendous support of Rabbi Wilschanski – a real “team effort
As requested, please send donations to
Congregation Levi Yitzchok
c/o Rabbinical College of America
226 Sussex Ave
Morristown, NJ 07962
USA
CONTACT: reb.ezra.solomon@gmail.com
WISHING ALL A KSIVA VACHASIMA TOVA UMASUKA B’GASHMIUS U’B’RUCHNIUS
A HAPPY, HEALTHY & GOOD NEW YEAR
MAY WE ONLY SHARE IN SIMCHAS
Ex Morristowner
Who do we make checks out to and where do we send them
Occasional Morristown Guest
Anyone who has spent time in Morristown, particularly over Shabbos, will confirm that Congregation levi Yitzchok exudes warmth and its congregants make a vibrant community, with a wonderful Rabbi whose droshas and Shiurim are amazing. You are fortunate to have him and Reb Ezra in control, and I am confident you will reach your target.
Hatzlacha Rabba
Another Morristown Guest
Agreed