Manhattan Shul Greets Torah

On Sunday, June 16, 2013, the Manhattan Sephardic Congregation celebrated a Torah dedication in which a Sefer Torah and a Sefer Haftarot were sponsored to the community.

The Sefer Torah and Sefer haftarot are dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Raphael Benchimol’s father, Aharon Ben Avraham Z”L, and Mrs. Rachel Benchimol’s father, Shimon Ben Moshe Z”L.

The Sefer Torah dedication gathered a crowd of more than 300 people. The program began with a siyum on the Tractate of Berachot by a co-sponsor of the Sefer Torah, and board member, Gadi Benhamo. This was followed by tribute given by Rabbi Benchimol to the memories of his father and father in law, highlighting the importance they placed on Jewish education.

As a tribute to their legacy, congregants and guests participated by writing the final letters of the Torah, and donations were made toward the FREE Hebrew After-School program run at Manhattan Sephardic Congregation, which has been attended by more than 100 children since its creation, 4 years ago. Funds raised from the Sefer Torah dedication will be used to continue this program as well as expand to other programs focusing on Free Jewish education.

The celebration spilled out onto the streets with a procession down East 75th street. The Chuppa, the music Torah truck and dancing attracted passers-by who joined in the celebration. The event concluded with a lavish meal for all the participants.

Manhattan Sephardic Congregation would like to thank all those who made this event possible, including the sponsors of the Sefer Torah: the Benchimol, Benhamo, Kirshenbaum, Franklin, Schnaider, Kadosh, Shimon, and Marciano families. Special thanks to the NYPD 19th precinct.