This year is a special celebration for Temple Har Zion. It is the 40th anniversary of our congregation and as part of the yearlong celebration we have commissioned the writing of a Sefer Torah. All congregants and families will have the opportunity to participate in project L'Dor Vador. We are launching this exciting project on Sunday October 16th at 11:15 a.m. with a special service and comments from our Sofer, Neil Yerman. All congregants are urged to attend!
Project L'Dor Vador encourages every member, student and family member to fulfill the final obligation of the Jewish people's covenant with God to write a letter in our Sefer Torah.
The Torah project does much more than raise funds. It will unite our community and create a new awareness of our heritage and a personal commitment to pass on the teachings of our Torah from generation to generation.
There will be many opportunities to raise funds by choosing to write a letter for $36 ($18 for Religious School students) or sponsoring specific portions. Larger donations can be paid out over 5 years
Our Sofer (a person who writes and restores Torah scrolls) is Neil Yerman http://neilyerman.com/ and he will be helping us make this project a success. Neil will conduct an inauguration in which we are all invited to participate in the beginning of the writing of the scroll. He will return throughout the year for the writing in the Torah scrolls and workshops with the students. The Rabbi and Executive are 100% committed to this project and for the goal of 100% participation by our entire community.
Volunteers are key to the success of this project and if you are interested in volunteering please contact Lawrie Kaplan at LawrieKaplan@sympatico.ca.
Torah Project FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q. How can a family participate in L'Dor V'Dor?
A. There are many ways. Members of your family, of all ages can volunteer onthe committee for the project or help manage the writing process on the days that actual writing will take place. You can also sponsor portions of the Torah by making a pledge.. You are encouraged to join the Sofer, who is the Torah scribe, and write a letter in the Torah. Finally, you can participate in any of the many learning activities that will take place throughout the year.
Q. Must we sponsor part of the Torah in order to be able to write a letter in the Torah?
A. Yes, you must make a sponsorship of a minimum of one letter ($36 or $18 for those under 13) to participate in writing the Torah
Q. If I sponsor a specific portion, will I be able to write a part of that section?
A. No, when your turn to write comes, you will be writing the next letter in the portion that we as a community will be writing.
Q. Who is writing the rest of the Torah, if not us?
A. A Sofer in Israel is writing the rest of the Torah
Q. Will more than one person or family be able to sponsor the same portion of the Torah?
A. Yes, sponsorship of a portion is not exclusive
Q. If I sponsor a portion for $1,800, how many family members will be able to write in the Torah?
A. A minimum donation of $36 for an adult and $18 for a child is required to write in the Torah.
Q. If I sponsor a portion of the Torah, will I get a certificate or keepsake to commemorate this important event?
A. Yes, you will be provided with a beautiful commemorative certificate acknowledging your sponsorship
Q. My children are away at school and are not available to join us on any of the scheduled writing dates, will there be other dates added?
A. Please contact Lawrie Kaplan at LawrieKaplan@sympatico.ca for further information on any other possible writing dates
Q. Can we take photos of our Torah writing?
A. Yes, we encourage you to bring a camera to take photos. No flashes, please
Q. My spouse is not Jewish, can he/she write a letter as well?
A. He/she can be involved by holding your other hand while you write your letter
Q. When do I have to arrive for my scheduled writing time?
A. To ensure that things move smoothly, please arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Q. Is there a dress code for the Torah writing session?
A. We encourage you to dress as you would if being called up to the Bimah to read from the Torah
Q. Where will the funds raised from the Torah project go?
A. Funds raised from the Torah project will be applied in the following order:
Q. Who do I contact to make my donation and arrange for a Torah writing time?
A. Complete the form which was distributed on Rosh Hashanah and return it to the Temple Office (extra copies are available in the office), or follow the link from the Temple website and a confirmation will be sent to you. You will receive a follow -up call confirming the date and time .
Q. I want to volunteer, but I don't know anything about the Torah?
A. You don't need to know about the Torah to volunteer. We will learn together. We need people to plan events and handle such matters as administration, marketing and publicity. To help, please email LawrieKaplan@sympatico.ca
About Sofer Neil Yerman
Sofer and artist Neil H. Yerman grew up in Brooklyn, New York. After a career in the brokerage industry and in advertising, he converted his lifetime avocation as an artist into a full-time career in 1984, specializing in works that combine calligraphy and art. A unique feature of Sofer Yerman's work is the educational experience he offers to the communities with which he works. A Master Teacher who is comfortable working with people of all ages, and of all faiths, Sofer Yerman's educational focus is to foster a love. | ||
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