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TORAH PROJECT LEADER BUILDS ON
EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS
An interview with Peachy Levy, community leader and co-chairperson
of a successful Torah Project in a 680 family Southern California congregation which deeply touched the lives of those involved. Opening
and closing events drew crowds of nearly one thousand people. "Mystified, " exalted," "enriched," were descriptions given by members of their experience participating in the birth of their new Torah. Many
commented that this was the most significant meaningful Jewish event of their lives.
Why did your congregation choose to start a Torah Project?
The timing was right to start a Torah Project. People are trying to go back to tradition and love the opportunity to share a community simcha. Kavod haTorah needs to be taught today. People need to be part
of a real experience based on the Torah. Instead of the business of honoring a person, for our
congregation's 50th anniversary, we chose to honor the Torah, to make a positive statement of who we are. If people
are given the opportunity they can rise to the occasion committing themselves both spiritually and financially.
What was unique about the Torah Project?
It offered rich educational and spiritual opportunities as well as a vehicle for perpetuating this type of programming by endowing a special synagogue fund.
How did you draw in such a large group of participants?
We pointed out to our members that this was a once in a lifetime privilege. For most, it was the first time in generations to experience
being part of a community that was writing a Torah. This touched people's souls. It was larger than just having the shul acquire a
scroll. It was a personal connection for them and their children.
For those who wished to endow a portion, we encouraged them to have a family discussion to decide which part of the Torah to dedicate. We
suggested marking a time or theme to which they personally connect, (to remember a birthday, anniversary, Bar Mitzvah portion, a favorite Bible
story). Forever it would be in their hearts and minds that this was "their" Torah portion.
For children we offered the opportunity to dedicate a letter in the Torah, usually the first letter in their Hebrew name. For those with no
Hebrew name, it was a chance to reflect and choose one.
Of which Torah Project event are you most proud?
The Inauguration of our new Torah was a special day. Members reserved their places but there was no admission fee. People really wanted to be there. For them it was a rare experience. Previously we
had taken the Torahs in the ark for granted. The process of creating a Torah and its significance had not been in our consciousness. Our
members wanted the experience of being close to Torah. The process was both exciting and mysterious. We divided the participants into groups
who rotated between several simultaneous activities. In one room we had an excellent storyteller who engaged all participants in
Bible-related stories. The sofer, Rabbi Miller, was in the main hall describing how a
Sefer Torah is written. A video camera projected his writing on big screens giving everyone the advantage of seeing up close the letters
being inscribed. He spoke about Kavanah, the importance to the Sofer himself of having proper intent before inscribing a scroll. He
inscribed the word "Amalek" explaining that this represented the hatred and negativity that we must remove in preparation for the mitzvah. And
when he crossed out Amalek, everyone cheered! When Rabbi Miller put his quill to the parchment and began writing Bereishit, it was
remarkable…the packed room fell silent, children, babies, adults, everyone. Afterward it was freilach with live music, dancing and food.
One thing that people loved was the souvenir parchment with a letter inscribed on it. We had three scribes writing to make sure everyone would get one. The participants stood in long lines (and really
gave up a lot to do this!) in order to take their momento home. We gave
each person a special card printed with "Year of the Torah," the name of
our synagogue and the date with a space to mount their parchment and frame it.
We really celebrated that we were a community writing a Torah. We had a wonderful time. People left the event exalted.
How was the reaction to the Scribe's workshops?
The scribe's visits were very important especially for the children. Many were surprised to learn the way in which Torahs are
written and the rules for writing. It hearkens back to ancient history for them, so different from the lives they lead. While its wonderful to
have some mystery about the Torah in their minds, it is also nice to
demystify it so they may relate better to it.
What helped you to fundraise effectively?
People are not going to give money away for nothing. People need to be taught to give. Some have an attitude that they shouldn't have to "pay for religion." We need to teach them "im ain kemach, ain Torah" (without flour there is no Torah). The synagogue is an important part of the community and needs to be self-supporting. Building an endowment fund is a great way to keep up with future building and educational expenses. Effective fundraising brings a community together. It takes calling on people, talking to them, figuring out what is appropriate for them. If you are asking, you must have given yourself. We asked for higher donations for major dedications like the entire Torah, and key stories like the Creation and the Exodus from Egypt. The Rabbi especially can help the fundraising process by making contact with key givers and personally asking for their support.
How did the Torah Project engage different segments of your membership?
The Torah Project theme should be taken advantage of during the year. The Rabbi can hold special classes for those interested in
pursuing Torah learning. The religious school used the Torah theme in educational activities
as well as sending home Divrey Torah, some Torah insight each week in their bulletin. Parents gained what they wouldn't have gained
otherwise.
I wrote a page in the monthly bulletin dedicated to the Torah
Project. Sometimes I reprinted an article or poem I found in order to stimulate learning and keep interest in the project strong.
