By: Sandy Eller
Over the past 44 years, Cardozo School of Law has earned a reputation as a top tier school, but Jewish students attending the Yeshiva University affiliate can now enjoy another advantage as they work their way towards their Juris Doctor degrees – an on-site sefer Torah.
Adam Chernichaw, a member of the class of 1995, sponsored the Torah in memory of his uncle, Herbert Papernik, with the first letters inscribed this past Chanukah at a reception hosted by the Rohr Center for JGrads and Chabad at Cardozo. The Torah was written by a scribe in Tzefas and is an exact replica of a treasured possession of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the nearly 200 year old Slavita Torah, which was given to him in 1954.
Approximately 100 people came to the Chelsea Hall on 23rd Street on August 21st to celebrate the completion of the new Torah. Chernichaw, a partner at Allen & Overy, spoke at the reception about how much he wished there could have been a Torah on campus when he was a student at Cardozo.
“Having decided to write a Torah of my own in memory of my uncle, the idea of keeping it at Chabad at Cardozo was extremely significant to me, creating a lasting legacy for someone who had no children of his own,” said Chernichaw.
Chabad Cardozo president Madeline Epstein expressed her gratitude to Chernichaw, noting that the Torah was a valuable addition to the school, and that the meaning behind the Torah’s dedication was very touching.
“Cardozo students come to us looking for a place where they can comfortably explore their religious roots,” said Epstein. “Having a Torah here offers yet another opportunity for Cardozo students to grow spiritually as they continue expanding their educational and professional horizons.”
“I’ve never seen such a small sefer torah with such beautiful k’tav – lettering,” added minyan participant Ethan Krantz. “Being able to have our own sefer Torah is a game changer for us. We are grateful to Mr. Chernichaw that the Torah will have a home on campus, benefitting countless students every semester.”
The importance of writing a personal Sefer Torah was emphasized by Rabbi Chezky Wolff, who runs Chabad at Cardozo together with his wife Perry. The fact that this was the last mitzvah given by Moshe Rabbeinu to the Jewish community makes it a truly unique act, explained Rabbi Wolff.
“Moshe Rabbeinu spoke about the importance of personalizing a Torah and internalizing it,” said Rabbi Wolff. “This exact replica of the Rebbe’s Torah, who is the Moshe of our generation, is truly meaningful and will make Cardozo students feel more connected to their Judaism.”
