The “Rosh Yehudi” organization held a Torah Welcoming (“Hachnasat Sefer Torah”) ceremony in Tel Aviv on Thursday. A Hachnasat Sefer Torah ceremony includes the completion of the writing of a Torah scroll and its welcoming into a synagogue. The colorful and musical march passed through the main streets of the city and ended at a synagogue near Dizengoff Square.
Before the crowd set out to the streets of Tel Aviv it gathered in the Rosh Yehudi center to complete the writing of the Torah letters and to hear words of support and strength from chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, former Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau. "We are happy" said Rabbi Lau, "to have the merit to install a Torah scroll into this holy sanctuary – a renowned synagogue with rich history situated at the center of town. Once this used to be the symbol of secular Tel Aviv, today it's a symbol of people who are looking for the true light, for the way of belief and faith – as it is written, 'I have chosen the way of faith'".
The march, accompanied by lots of sounds and lights, toured through the streets of Bograshov, King George, Dizengoff, and Bar Kokhba. The bystanders could not ignore the rejoicing, and many were happy to join in. The organizers at Rosh Yehudi explained that there is one main message to this event: "Although there are different approaches and lifestyles – we are all one nation, and the Torah is precious to us all."
The "Rosh Yehudi" organization works on making Judaism accessible to the masses. 10 years ago, Rosh Yehudi established the Jewish Home, where many classes are held every evening for young people from Tel Aviv, on subjects related to Judaism, spirituality, self-awareness and relationships.
The Torah scroll, which costs around NIS 140,000, was contributed by Arik and Racheli Zahavi who also attended the celebration.
Pictures from the event courtesy of Shlomi Shalmoni:
