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"Torah Scroll Returns Home" to Kishinev after 150 Years
It was the generous gesture of one community leader that transformed the 2006 Simchat Torah celebration at the Kishinev Jacobs Jewish Campus (KJJC) in Moldova from a festive event to a historic one. For the first time in over 150 years, a Torah Scroll was placed in the Campus' Aron Kodesh, Holy Ark.
The Torah Scroll was donated by Alexander Bilinkis, President of the Moldova Jewish Congress and local businessman. Mr. Bilinkis' gift echoed the growing sentiment that the KJJC is the central address for Jewish life in the city. This state-of-the-art community center, made possible in part by JDC, has been open for a year and houses a Hesed welfare center for Jewish elderly, Hillel, the Kedem JCC, NES Jewish Family Service, the Center for Training and Professional Development and various community and educational institutions. The Kishinev Jacobs Jewish Campus stands on the grounds of the former Woodcutters Synagogue. For over a century, the space of the Aron Kodesh has stood empty. When the KJJC was built, a niche was reserved with the hopes that one day, it would be filled with a Torah. "I am happy to be a part of such a significant event. This is my way to pay respect to us, the living, and to the memory of my ancestors," said Mr. Bilinkis. Mr. Bilinkis' warm sentiments rippled through the diverse crowd of nearly 200, including young and old, representatives and heads of all the main Jewish organizations. The air of the packed hall was filled with emotion as the Torah Scroll was brought in. Savoring the momentous event, many participants lingered after the festive but solemn ceremony was completed. The fact that the welcoming of the Scroll took place during the Simchat Torah holiday enhanced the meaningfulness of the ceremony; there was not a dry eye among those in attendance. One member of the community commented, "I have experienced great pride and excitement. This event signifies genuine revival of Jewish traditions." Simchat Torah literally means "rejoicing in the Torah" and marks the culmination of Sukkot — the holiday commemorating the completion and beginning of the yearly Torah reading cycle. Mr. Bilinkis' gift to the community will help them usher in this new year with renewed fortitude and faith in the Jewish community's strong future. November 2006 |
