Holland Welcomes a New Sefer Torah

Over 180 people participated Sunday in welcoming a new Torah in Haarlem, Holland.

The event began with the completion of the writing of the Sefer Torah. The sofer Rabbi Mordechai Lishner from Kfar Chabad was present at this special occasion. As the last letters were being completed, those present were entertained by violist Dovid Reznik from Antwerp. The entire crowd welcomed the new Torah with dancing and excitement outside, followed by Hakafos in the Shul.

The Torah was generously donated by Martin Levie in memory of his parents Bob and Inge Levie-Philips. “This is a huge, momentous event,” said local Community Rabbi and shaliach Rabbi Shmuel Spiero. “The last dedication took place in 1939. With this Torah we also commemorate all those people who have worked tireless to rebuild the Jewish Community after the war. Thanks to those dedicated people we are able to be a strong community as we’re today”.

Head shluchim Yitschok Vorst and Binyomin Jacobs attended along with the other Dutch Shluchim.

The crowd was treated to a delectable catered buffet. Many participants were moved and uplifted.