Hundreds of community members gathered at Chabad of Kirkland, Washington, for the completion and dedication of a new Torah.
The Chabad Center, led by Shluchim Rabbi Chaim Shaul and Sarale Rivkin, welcomed their first new Torah scroll amidst great joy and celebration.
The Torah, written by renowned Sofer Rabbi Moshe Klein, was dedicated in memory of a member of the community, Guy Levy obm, who was killed in a tragic accident in Kirkland and with great effort, his burial was arranged to take place in Israel, his birthplace.
Guy was born and raised with his family in the city of Dimona in Southern Israel where he was known and loved by many. Following his excellent service in the special Golani unit of the IDF he immigrated to the US and created his own business. Throughout his nearly two decades living in America he was always involved with the Jewish community and loved by many for his big heart, caring and kind personality.
On Saturday evening, November 5th, 2022, the 11th of Cheshvan, 5783, only a few months after moving to Washington state, he tragically passed away in a car accident on the I-90 highway.
Guy loved his family, friends and the Jewish community so much and while spending Shabbat and holiday services at Synagogue he was known for his friendly demeanor and caring personality.
Two weeks before his tragic passing he was dancing the night away on Simchat Torah, while lovingly clinging to the Torah scroll. He was the light of the party that night, bringing much sincere, true joy and celebration to our community in Kirkland.
“To honor Guy’s special Neshama it is befitting to have a Torah scroll dedicated in his memory, that will be an everlasting living legacy to the special person Guy was and his love for all human beings of different backgrounds,” Rabbi Rivkin said.
The final letters were written by the Head Shluchim of the Pacific Northwest, Rabbi Sholom Ber and Chana Levitin, with the final letter transcribed by the parents of Guy Levy who flew in from Israel specially for the event.
The Torah was then led with joyous singing and dancing to the Chabad Center.
Those who knew Guy and were at this exciting event understand how special my brother was, his kindness and willingness to help, the joy that knew no difficulty, the optimism, the love of the Torah, the desire to give without receiving, the unifying glue of family and friends. The book of the Torah is eternal like you, my beloved brother! Forever you will live in our hearts, in our thoughts and in the holiness of the Torah book that will make a human heart happy. Afik🙏🏻