3320 Years Later Torah Arrives in Cooper City

COOPER CITY, FL [CHI] — Torah in honor of son for his complete recovery. On Sunday morning, June 8, at 12 noon, just prior to the Festival of Shavuot, the anniversary of G-d giving the Ten Commandments 3320 years earlier, Chabad of Southwest Broward will fill in the final letters of a brand new Sefardic – Middle Eastern – Torah.

“What better way to celebrate the Jews receiving the Torah than us welcoming into our community such a meaningful new Torah,” said Rabbi Pinny, Spiritual Leader and Director of Chabad.

The scroll is being dedicated by Shoshi and David Damatov of Cooper City in honor of their son Gabi for his complete recovery and in honor of their older sons Eli and Daniel.

The entire community is invited to partake in the special festivities and dedication ceremony which will also include live music, a parade with the Torah from the Damatov home in Embassy Lakes to Chabad’s location on Stirling Road plus dancing and a festive meal.

Shoshi and David Damatov of Cooper City, Florida, were at wit’s end. Their son Gabi, now 17 and a junior at the David Posnack Hebrew Day School, was diagnosed at a young age with a seizure disorder. Several years ago, the seizures were becoming more common; they would happen at school, during carpool, at home and at synagogue. Ambulances and sirens became almost a daily occurrence.

Gabi’s young classmates and school faculty often witnessed the seizures and showed tremendous compassion but like everyone else, felt helpless for their ailing friend. The plight of Gabi’s health was taking a big emotional toll and deeply affecting the entire Damatov family, their close friends and the community. Everyone wanted to help, but how?

The Damatovs are a beloved and active family in the community. Shoshi proudly served on the board of directors and volunteered her time at the Posnack Day School. As a couple they are pioneers and staunch supporters of their synagogue; indeed David and Shoshi are recognized as president and first lady of Chabad of Southwest Broward.

In Genesis, when Jacob decides to return to his homeland and face the wrath of his evil twin Esau, the bible describes how Jacob did not just rely on one avenue. He brought gifts to appease his brother; he strategized in case of war and prayed to G-d for success and protection.

Likewise, the Damatovs were determined to explore all means of getting their youngest son the healing he needed. They visited medical experts around the world and tried all sorts of medication, both homeopathic and conventional and constantly adjusted the doses hoping the seizures would cease. But as the seizures continued, without warning, it seemed that their efforts were in vain.

On the spiritual front, Gabi’s name was placed in the Western Wall and sent to rabbis and Jewish communities throughout the globe asking everyone to pray on his behalf, beseeching G-d for a complete and speedy recovery. The Damatovs traveled with Gabi to meet many famous rabbis and even traveled to Jerusalem to meet with renowned Kabbalist Rav Yitzchak Kaduri – an eminent Jewish mystical leader and healer who died January 2006, at an estimated age of 110 years old – hoping their blessings and advice would merit the complete healing of their child. But the seizures still continued.

In desperation, tears flowing down her cheeks, Shoshi approached her spiritual leader, Rabbi Pinny, offering
G-d a deal he evidently could not refuse. “If Gabi goes two years without a seizure,” Shoshi promised, “I will dedicate a Torah scroll to the synagogue.”

In fact, many a miracles have been associated with the writing of a Torah scroll, the 613th commandment and final mitzvah recorded for Jews in the bible. There are also many statements throughout the Torah and its commentaries that allude to the Torah as a source of healing. The Talmud (Eiruvin 54a) states, “Torah is the life spring which invigorates the entire body.”

Gabi would have a few more seizures but thereafter, amazingly and miraculously, the seizures ceased. After the two year mark, in celebration of their son’s well being and in fulfillment of their pledge, Shoshi and David commissioned a scribe in Israel to write a Torah scroll in Gabi’s honor. It took about a year to complete and the Torah arrived several months ago in Florida.

A date for the completion and dedication ceremony had not been set due to a delay in choosing and then waiting for the custom made casing to be crafted in the Holy Land.

Years earlier during their visit with Rav Kaduri, he cautioned Gabi to heed three things. While expecting the rabbi to encourage extra observance of certain G-dly commandments, the saintly Kabbalist surprised them by warning Gabi against smelling the frying of fish or the baking of a commercial bakery and witnessing the slaughter of animals. Perplexed but in agreement, Gabi avoided the above.

In February however, just five days short of the third anniversary, friends were coming over for Shabbat dinner and Gabi asked his mother to make his favorite Afghan fish. As has become customary whenever his mother prepared fish, Gabi had to stay with neighbors or friends. Due to a miscommunication and miscalculation of time, Gabi arrived early and entered the home while the strong smell of fried fish was in the air. Less than an hour later Gabi had his first seizure in three years.

The Damatovs were advised by Rabbi Pinny to immediately schedule the dedication ceremony without further delay. The community is invited Sunday to participate in their celebration and also welcome one and all to become a partner in their special Mitzvah. Dedications are being made available for individuals to sponsor portions of the Torah. All proceeds will go to the Gabi Damatov Torah Campaign of the Chabad Building Fund for the future Chabad Center in Cooper City and all sponsors will be recognized with a beautiful new plaque displayed in the synagogue.

Opportunities and details are listed on Chabad’s website www.ChabadTodayFlorida.com or by calling 954-252-1770.

In celebration of the Shavuot holiday, on Sunday evening, June 8, Chabad will host a holiday dinner followed by the traditional all night study. On Monday, June 9 at 9:30am Chabad will be reading the Ten Commandments followed by a scrumptious Ice Cream Party and on Tuesday, June 10, 10am, the memorial Yizkor service will take place followed by the now famous Gitty’s Gourmet Lunch. Services and Lunch is open to all; no fee necessary. Chabad is located at 10601 Stirling Road in Cooper City.