Rochester Welcomes New Torah

On Lag Baomer, more than 250 people attended an historic Hachnassas Sefer Torah of Chabad of Rochester, New York.

Dedicated by Bill and Sheila Konar in memory of their parents, the Torah was first started last year when the Rochester community attended the writing of the first Pesukim. They gathered once again on Sunday, to complete the final lines of the Sefer Torah and welcome it to its new home.

As the participants enjoyed a full buffet of food, live music by Choni Teitlebaum, and crafts for the kids they were also able to come up and, together with the Sofer, help fill in their very own letter in the Sefer Torah.

After everyone had their turn, Shliach Rabbi Nechemia Vogel addressed the crowd about Lag Baomer, unity, the symbolism of a Sefer Torah, and the Konars’ dedication to Chabad for almost thirty years. Rabbi Vogel also included the story of when he and the Konars traveled to receive a dollar from the Rebbe many years ago.

The Konars completed the last word of the Torah and Mr. Konar blessed the participants with Birchas Kohanim from the Torah scroll, as he is a Kohen. It was then brought out for everyone to kiss and dance with. The community paraded and danced through the center of town before returning to the Chabad Center for dessert and lively Hakafos.

Rahel Sherman, one of the participants, commented, “Such Joy! We are thankful to Hashem for giving us a Torah of Shalom and compassion.”

Beth Garver, a parent of a Chabad Hebrew School student noted, “This was a great and beautiful event – best Torah celebration I have ever attended! We had a fantastic time.”

All in all, it was a beautiful Kiddush Hashem and will be remembered for a long time.