New Torah Dedication for Chabad of Southside

JACKSONVILLE, FL [CHI] — Just a short year after first opening its doors, Chabad of Southside in Jacksonville, Florida welcomed a brand new Torah Scroll at a lively inauguration ceremony attended by members of the Jewish Community. Significantly the Torah ceremony took place 10 days before the High Holidays when many Jewish people from all levels of observance will attend services and participate in the Torah reading.

Chabad had been using a borrowed Torah Scroll from an Ormond Beach Congregation. “We are very excited about this new Torah,” said Chabad of Southside and UNF Director Rabbi Shmuli Novack. “The Torah is an important element of the Jewish Community – this is a great milestone as we continue to grow and expand throughout the Southside. Since launching our Torah Campaign the response has been overwhelming and I am grateful to the community for the outpouring of support.”

At the program Rabbi Mendy Browd, associate rabbi of Chabad in Mandarin who is a certified scribe completed the writing of the Torah with the assistance of local rabbis, contributors and community members. The traditional dancing procession under the chupah canopy proceeded on Southside Blvd and concluded with the Hakafot ceremony.

Over one hundred participated in the event held at the Hampton Inn and Suites. The rabbi mentioned plans to build a new center, as soon as they close on the property. The new center will serve the needs of the growing Southside Jewish community, Chabad’s daycare now at capacity and the needs of the Jewish College Students from the various Universities on the Southside. Chabad hopes to break ground in the coming months. “Our campaign is well underway – we only need to raise about $460,000 more,” said a spokesperson.