A partly written Sefer Torah which was spirited out of Eastern Europe over 80 years ago in search of a safe-haven, was completed and housed at Cheder Levi Yitzchok in Melbourne, Australia.
The Sofer from Kiev only managed to write Sefer Braishis and Shmos when he had to escape the Nazis during the Second World War. He took the partly written Torah with him to South Africa.
The grandson found it hidden in a cellar and brought it to Australia, where Vayikro, Bamidbor and Devorim were added to it.
The new Chabad Cheder Levi Yitzchok was chosen to house this new-old Sefer Torah.
Neighbors adjoining the Cheder’s campus watched with amazement as the large procession of students and well-wishers accompanied the newly completed Torah when it was carried under the traditional Chupa.
Rabbi Yaakov Lieder, Menahel Ruchni of Cheder Levi Yitzchok, said over 400 people participated in the lively and special celebration.
Several of the participants expressed just how much they were touched and inspired to watch the energy and enthusiasm with which the young Bochurim in particular, were dancing and celebrating the arrival of the new Torah.
Mr. Eliezer Kornhauser, the founder and major benefactor of Cheder Levi Yitzchok, reflected on the timeless energy of the Torah and its ability to create so much joy and vibrancy for the young Talmidim of the Cheder, who in turn will now be able to give life to the Torah through its regular use during davening at the Cheder.
