Two New Sifrei Torah Welcomed In Bergen Beach, Brooklyn

This past Sunday, a historic moment unfolded in the heart of Brooklyn’s Bergen Beach neighborhood. Hundreds of residents, families, esteemed rabbis, and distinguished guests gathered for an uplifting and extraordinary event: the dedication of two new Torah scrolls into the newly established synagogue in the center of the community. This was not merely a ceremonial celebration—it was a profound expression of unity, faith, and deep connection to the Jewish People, particularly at a time when our brothers and sisters in the Land of Israel are facing heavy and complex challenges.

The inspiring event was lovingly and meticulously orchestrated by Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Rebbetzin Sterny Weissberg, Chabad emissaries and directors of Chabad of Bergen Beach. Their tireless work in building a vibrant Torah-centered community shone through, elevating the atmosphere to one of spiritual intensity—akin to a miniature Sinai.

Each of the two Torah scrolls carried with it a story of memory and eternity. The first scroll was generously donated by Mike and Natalie Arje, in loving memory of Mike’s parents—Tzvi ben Yaakov and Leah bat Rachel Arje, of blessed memory—and in memory of Ruth bat Asher Peres. The second Torah was dedicated by Nina Steigelfest, Eli and Jill Steigelfest, Suzy and Jason Arlick, and Michelle and Leeor Solomon, in memory of their father and husband Yeshayahu ben Eliezer HaLevi Steigelfest, of blessed memory. What began as personal remembrance was transformed into a moment of collective mission—another foundational stone in the spiritual edifice of the Jewish People.

Among the many participants were prominent rabbis and communal leaders who came to honor the occasion:

Rabbi Avrohom Holtzberg, Chabad emissary and director of Chabad of Georgetown;

Rabbi Yirmiy Levi, Rabbi of the Chazon Ovadia synagogue in Mill Basin;

Rabbi Shlomo Aharon Holtzberg, Rosh Kollel of Tiferes Zekeinim in Crown Heights; and

Rabbi Mordechai Weisberg, director of the Jewish Community of Moscow.

Their heartfelt words resonated with conviction and warmth, emphasizing the unifying power of the Torah and the deep sense of shared destiny that binds us all.

A highlight of the evening was the soul-stirring performance by international Jewish singer Gad Elbaz, whose powerful voice and inspirational songs filled the large tent and moved the crowd to tears and dance. With melodies of faith and hope for the Jewish People, his music united the audience in spirited singing and celebration—a moment that left a deep imprint on every heart present.

The event was logistically impeccable, thanks to a specially constructed tent and professional infrastructure. Special recognition is due to Mr. Ari Simkin, the owner of the event site and director of the Power Rental Yards company, who generously contributed his resources and expertise behind the scenes to ensure the event’s dignified success.

The central message of the evening rang loud and clear: just as a Torah scroll is incomplete if even one letter is missing, so too the Jewish People are incomplete when even one Jew is absent. It was a call for prayer—for the safe return of the hostages, for light to overcome darkness, and for all fallen souls to be brought to Jewish burial without delay.

Rabbi Mendy Weissberg excitedly shared with the audience about the blessing he received from the Rebbe after he offered a prayer at the Holy Ohel that G-d should help and provide a Torah scroll for the Chabad house that opened a short time ago, and in fact,he received a double blessing. He received not one Torah but two Torah scrolls by relatives of the families.

Rabbi Mendy linked the two Torah scrolls – because the two Torah scrolls carried special symbolism: one beginning with “Bereishit” (Genesis), and the other concluding with “Le’einei kol Yisrael” (“in the sight of all Israel”). The first and last letters—Bet and Lamed—form the Hebrew word “Lev”: heart. And indeed, the heart was the essence of the entire evening—a heartfelt offering of love, faith, and solidarity to the entire Jewish People, in Israel and throughout the world.

The Bergen Beach community sent forth its voice, its heart, and its Torah—not as a mere symbolic gesture, but as an act of mission and purpose. Because when the Jewish heart beats with faith and unity—there is nothing in the world that can stand in its way.