Posted on 11/26/24
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 26, 2024 - On Sunday, November 24, the Baltimore Jewish community united for a monumental celebration: the Hachnasas Sefer Torah of a Torah commissioned by and for the community. This event, held at Kol Torah, showcased the city’s unparalleled achdus and served as an expression of gratitude to those who selflessly served during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program began with the final letters of the Sefer Torah being written by Rabbonim, doctors, community leaders, and volunteers. Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer, Shlita, was honored with writing the last letter. R’ Aryeh Leib Freedman, president of Misaskim of Maryland, opened the program with the background of this project, followed by heartfelt remarks from R’ Yanky Schnur, whose vision spearheaded this initiative. Rabbi Hopfer then spoke and reflected on the unity that defined Baltimore’s response to the pandemic and how it served as a zechus and shmira for the kehilla. The event continued with hagba and gelilah, the recitation of Ata Haraisa, and joyous hakafos and dancing.
This Sefer Torah was certainly unique in that it was a community-wide effort, inspired by and in appreciation for the sacrifices of Rabbanim, askanim, and medical professionals during the pandemic. "The Sefer Torah was literally made by the community, and for the community," said R’ Aryeh Leib Freedman. "It represents the achdus that defines Baltimore and ensures that its kedusha will touch every corner of our kehilla, particularly during times of need."
The idea for this project was conceived by R’ Yanky and Mrs. Schnur, who sought to honor Baltimore’s unsung heroes while addressing a shortage of Sifrei Torah available for Misaskim. The project, which took four years to complete, stands as a testament to the community’s collective dedication and unity.
The event was a profound demonstration of community unity, with hundreds of individuals contributing to sponsor this communal Sefer Torah. "Every contribution, no matter how large or small, came together to create something greater than the sum of its parts," said R' Aryeh Leib.
Misaskim of Maryland, founded seven years ago, coordinates shiva needs and kavod hames arrangements, ensuring that families receive sensitive and respectful care. R' Aryeh Leib expressed gratitude to the organization’s many dedicated volunteers, service units, and dispatchers. Misaskim’s Vice President, R’ Menachem Levitansky, along with Operations Coordinators R’ Yaakov Gluck and R’ Yaakov Tzvi Guttenberg, were recognized for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the community. Special recognition was given to R’ Meyer Weil and R’ Mattis Soffer of Misaskim Tri-State, who came to Baltimore in honor of this special event.
Misaskim expresses its deep appreciation to Councilman Yitzy Schleifer for his unwavering support of Misaskim and the entire Baltimore community, particularly during the challenges of the recent pandemic.
Appreciation was also expressed to many who helped Misaskim at its start, including the Bohem family and 7 Mile Market for dedicating the Misaskim van, the Tuchman, Davis, Pollock, and Seidel families for lending Sifrei Torah, and the Zobdeh and Moinzadah families for dedicating a Sefardi Sefer Torah. Gratitude was also extended to Rabbi Yosef Berger and Kol Torah Shul for graciously hosting Misaskim’s supplies.
Misaskim extends heartfelt gratitude to the Weingot family and friends for dedicating a beautiful new Aron Kodesh for this special communal Sefer Torah, l’iluy nishmas Rabbi Shalom Weingot, הרב שלום זאב בן ר׳ דוד אריה ,זצ׳ל.
The celebration concluded with heartfelt tefillos for the Sefer Torah to bring bracha and shalom to the kehilla. Reb Yanky Schnur expressed his hope for the community to remain united and blessed with dedicated leaders. "May this Sefer Torah stand as a symbol of the strength and unity of Baltimore," said R' Aryeh Leib, "and may we soon merit the geulah ha’amitis with the coming of Moshiach Tzedkeinu, bimhera v’yameinu. Amen."
