Inaugural Writing of Historic Torah Scroll

LITTLE ROCK, AR [CHI] — On Sunday, December 14, 2008 the Jewish community of Arkansas began the writing of the first Torah to ever be written in the State. Over 100 Jews from all around the state came to the Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life to mark this momentous occasion.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Rabbi Pinchus Ciment, director of the Chabad Lubavitch of Arkansas, began the festivities by noting that in the Jewish calendar this year is also called by many as a “Year of Hakhel.” After explaining the mitzvah of Hakhel, he explained that the Rebbe taught us that although it can only be truly fulfilled in the Holy Temple, nevertheless, we too can make public and personal gatherings today that are symbolic, of great importance and extremely meaningful. By making the effort to come together and share words of Torah at such gatherings, we would be making a Hakhel event and thus derive benefit from this unique mitzva

In light of this unique year, this powerfully united gathering of our community for the purpose of continuing the eternal tradition of our heritage with the writing of our own Sefer Torah, is truly historic.

Thanks to the Itzkowitz family’s gracious generosity in loving memory of Bob Itzkowitz, Lubavitch of Arkansas was able to commission a sofer (scribe) to write a Sefer Torah. The family has been in Little Rock for over 100 years and Bob Itzkowitz worked at the Square Deal shop in North Little Rock for close to 60 years. Bob was unceasing in his quest to promote harmony and unity amongst his fellow brethren. Bob’s family also came from the same town as the Rebbe, Dnepropetrovsk and he would often make mention of this fact when he would enthusiastically support all of our endeavors.

This Torah will also contain special dedication to the lives of those murdered at the Chabad House in Mumbai, India just a few weeks ago. We will channel our tears into water for growth and utilize the strength of this Torah to promote harmony and peace with additional lights of mitzvos infused with greater joy and meaning.

When the Torah is near completion before Rosh Hashona, we will be having a joyous celebration to dedicate this wonderful new addition to our community. This Torah Scroll will be our community’s newest link to our holy and eternal tradition.

Dedications are available as well as the rare opportunity for each and every one to participate in the actual writing of this CommUnity Torah. For more pictures and information log on to www.Arjewishcenter.com