Compiled by Sharon Wisch-Ray
sharon@tjpnews.com

Grand Torah dedication

Hundreds joined Chabad of Arlington & The Mid-Cities Sunday, April 10, for a Grand Torah Dedication. The Torah, inscribed in Israel and finished on the spot by New York sofer Rabbi Feitel Levin, was dedicated by the Chabad of Arlington & The Mid-Cities Community in honor of this “Hakhel Year.”
The Torah was made possible by the participation of more than 70 families in the community!
Once the Torah was finished and dressed, Rabbi Levi Gurevitch led attendees in a celebratory parade, as the new Torah was carried under a chuppah accompanied by live music, people carrying flags and torches and dancing.
“This is a tremendous milestone and a sign that we have matured as a community. We have grown to the point of being able to have our very own brand new Torah commissioned,” the rabbi said. “It was not cheap or easy, but the community really stepped up. Participation in writing a Torah is the last mitzvah in the Torah. Commandment 613 is that every Jew is obligated to a Torah scroll for him- or herself.”
“There’s a diversity here at Chabad that you don’t see in a lot of synagogues,” said a Chabad Hebrew school parent. “There are kids in Hebrew school from all different types of Jewish backgrounds, and all are made to feel equally welcome.” “Here at Chabad we strive to welcome all Jews regardless of background or affiliation or level of knowledge,” said Mrs. Rishi Gurevitch, who co-directs Chabad along with her husband. “Our goal is to make everyone feel at home and like family and this event really shows that!”
— Submitted by Rishi Gurevitch