For the first time ever, a new Torah was completed and inaugurated on Kauai.
The Torah was sponsored by Mr. Richard Seigel, a former Ship Captain from Alaska, who is retired on Kauai.
Interestingly, Richard was first drawn to Chabad, and reconnected to his Jewish roots many years ago, when he saw an advertisement in the Alaska Newspaper, about a New Torah coming to Anchorage, with Rabbi Yoske and Esti Greenberg, Chabad Shluchim there. This intrigued him and inspired him to attend.
This began his journey toward a Torah life. Richard has since become a pillar of Chabad’s community in Kauai, directed by Shluchim Rabbi Michoel and Zisel Goldman, serving on its board.
Several months ago, Richard’s father Bennett Seigel passed away in Florida, at 97 years old. He had requested to be buried near his son in Kauai. It so happens that a new Jewish Cemetery was recently established in Kauai – with Richard’s effort – Bennett being the 3rd person interred there. The new Torah is dedicated in Bennett’s memory.
In the biggest Jewish event ever on Kauai, over 150 people turned out for the celebration, to be part of the historic moment. Rabbi Moshe Klein, expert scribe from NY, flew in for the day to complete the writing.
The setting for this historic occasion was the magnificent 130-acre home called “Makanalani”. Makanalani is Hawaiian for ‘Gift from Heaven’ and its owners, Eric and Lyn Taylor, open their home to under-privileged children, giving them the opportunity to experience the majesty of G-d’s world, for one-week vacations.
“How appropriate to have a Torah dedication here, being that Torah is also a ‘Gift from Heaven,'” said Rabbi Michoel Goldman, of ‘Gani’ Chabad of Kauai.
The timing of the event was also significant, being completed and dedicated in the week leading up to Shabbos, Elul 18, which is the birthday of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, who founded Chabad. It’s also the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov.
Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky, Head Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Hawaii, flew in for the occasion, as did Rabbi and Mrs. Chazanow of Big Island, and David Weisfeld of Oahu. Yudi Weinbaum of OahuKosher.com – Hawaii’s only Kosher Caterer – flew in from Honolulu to cater the event.
BH It is definitely another sign of Moshiach’s times to see a new sefer torah on this Island.
May it bring Hashem to his home (a shul) for the sefer torah soon and a mikva which they need for all the yidden living there and visiting.
Mazel Tov Richard and Vicky and the Goldmans for all the sacrifice you are doing to bring awareness and help bring Moshiach sooner.
Mazal Tov Michoel, Zissel, Mussie and Mendel Goldman on the new mildstone of writting a Sefer Torah.
What a zchus for Kuai to have such incredibly dedicated shluchim!!!!!!!!!!
Your proud aunt.
Yasher Koach to Reb Moshe Klein 🙂
Kol Hakavod Richard & Vicky, and Mazal Tov to the Goldmans and to the entire Kauai Jewish community!
This is truly a joyous occasion!
CL & B
What gorg pics!! Such scenery!! Wow!
go krazes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the best!
Very beautiful
Go kraz!!!!
from the amazing devotion of the shliach and his family to the Island!
moussia so happy for you guys!! mazel tovvvv
leah 🙂
Mazal Tov bechol tuv nireh venigleh vkesiva vchasima tova leshana tova umesuka
Feter Yosaif & Tante Naomi
Kol hakavod to the goldmans
(I’m talking about the island of course)
Beautiful!