The Millstone Times August 2019

KIDS & CAMP Perrineville Jewish Center Honors Hadad Family TORAH DEDICATION By Pam Teel

On June 30, 2019, a Torah dedication ceremony was held at The Perrineville Jew- ish Center. The Torah was purchased and dedicated by Sylvia Hadad. A Torah is a sacred document that contains the Five Books of The Holy Bible. They serve as a guiding light in the practice of Judaism. On a previous trip to Israel, Sylvia Hadad, contacted Rabbi Moshe Flumenbaum, who is also a sofer; a trained individual who is qualified to both write and evaluate the writings in a Torah. The completion of a Torah can take up to one year. Each letter is written using a kosher goose quill dipped in specially prepared, non-chemical, ink. The writing is done on animal hides, deemed kosher, and prepared for the process. Before the commissioning was finalized, Rabbi Flumenbaum, whose home is in Israel, came to the United States to meet with Rabbi Schevelowitz, the spiritual leader of Perrineville Jewish Center. The purpose of which was to briefly examine the existing Torahs in order to have the new Torah similar to the size of the existing Torahs. The scriptures used in services are written on parchment scrolls. They are always hand-written in Hebrew calligraphy. You are not supposed to touch the parchment

Lisa Soden Winer, David Hadad, Sylvia's granddaughter Brenna Rae with Rabbi Flumenbaum

on the scrolls because the parchment is made from animal skins and it would be a source of defilement if touched by hand. Fingers contain sweat and acid that can eventually damage the parchment. Instead, the reader follows the text with a pointer, which is called a Yad. "Yad" means hand in Hebrew. The pointer is made of an in-animate material, usually silver. The yad is in the shape of a hand with a pointed index finger. Many years of study and training are required for an individual to read and chant the scriptures. The writing in the Torah scrolls do not contain vowels or musical notes, therefore the ability to read from the scroll is a valuable skill, and usually requires many years of preparation. At the conclusion of the service, the Torah is raised for all to express their appreciation, directions and the splendor of the Torah.

Rabbi Schevelowitz began the Dedication Program with an opening prayer. Afterwards, Lisa Soden Winer, Syl- via’s Hadad’s niece, gave an inspirational address. She spoke about her experiences at PJC, including her early childhood and Hebrew School. She also spoke about the relationship she had with her now deceased relatives and how the Torah was given in memory and in honor of her uncle Joseph Hadad, his brother Shlomo Hadad, and her dear cousin, Debbie Hadad Silnik, (Sylvia’s deceased daughter). Unfortunately some of her life experiences that included the loss of her parents and many close family members, brought challenges. She noted that she got through her rough times with the support of Rabbi Schevelowitz and the comfort she got from attending services. Rabbi Flumenbaum left three or four letters in outline form. Designated family members were given the oppor- tunity to fill in the out-lined letters. After the last few letters were completed by family members, the Torah was handed to Raymond Silnik and Stacy Silnik, (Sylvia’s deceased daughter’s family). It was then raised by David Hadad who carried the Torah throughout the synagogue for all to acknowledge its holiness. Rabbi Glenn Jacobs, assistant PJC rabbi, also said a prayer in honor of the Hadad Family. He acknowledged his relationship with the Hadad family and recognized their presence and support of the Perrineville Jewish Center. Followed by her dedication, Sylvia greeted those present. She acknowledged PJC past Presidents, who were pres- ent, as well as Inbar Robbbins, the Education and Program Director of the Perrineville Jewish Center, who gave her tremendous support and advice. Sylvia also noted the presence of family and friends from the past and the present who were influential in her life. Rabbi Schevelowitz invited all to enter the social hall to enjoy lunch and to connect and socialize with each other. Rabbi Jacobs made the traditional Motze (prayer) over the challah (bread.) The new Torah will be kept in the synagogue Ark to be used first on SimchasTorah, the holiday that commem- orates the receiving of the first Torah.

Rabbi Schevelowitz, David Hadad, Sylvia's granddaughter Stacy Silnik

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