Kenosha Dedicates New Torah

Kenosha News

Nearly 100 Orthodox Jews, who came from as far away as New York and California, took part in the dedication of a new Torah Sunday, commissioned after two others were stolen from the Chabad of Kenosha.

While the scrolls stolen just days before Passover in April 2008 were eventually recovered in 2010, Rabbi Tzali Wilschanski said it was important to the local community to see the new Torah through to fruition.

It was dedicated in honor of his late grandfather, Rabbi Tzvi Yosef Kotlarsky, who was born in Poland, escaped to China during World War II and later served in synagogues in Montreal Canada and New York.

“Once you start something positive, you shouldn’t stop,” Wilschanski said.

Those in attendance knew they were part of a rare celebration. Torah scrolls, which cost tens of thousands of dollars, are handwritten by a special scribe and take close to a year to write.

“It is something a computer or a copy machine cannot do,” said Rabbi Levi Emmer of Milwaukee, who explained the process.

Special ink, parchment

The Torah — the first five books of Moses — is handwritten with special ink on parchment made from kosher animal hide. The scribe must know 8,000 laws that must be followed as it is written, and when it comes to writing God’s name, the scribe must first prepare himself for one hour, Emmer said.

Each Hebrew letter must be formed perfectly. If it is missing a stroke or touches another letter, the Torah cannot be used.

Wilschanski, of Chabad of Kenosha, said each person is like one letter of the Torah and people are unified through it.

“It is a book that brings us together as a nation,” he said.

On Sunday, it brought people together from Kenosha, Milwaukee, Madison, Illinois and other far-off states.

Growing synagogue

“A few years ago we would have had four people here,” said Ron Sanders, president of the Chabad of Kenosha. “The synagogue is growing.”

Wilschanski offered thanks to those who offered their support — morally and financially — during the last several years.

As is tradition, those in attendance at the celebration, held at Wilschanski’s home, were given a piece of the material used for the sash that will cover the Torah. It is considered to have protective properties.

Ari Kaz had the honor of lifting the new Torah for all to see before Sanders tied it and David Hershkowitz, of New York, put the crown on top.

A song of rejoice and honor was sung as the Torah was paraded around the neighboring park. Children were encouraged to kiss the Torah as a means for health and long life. A sacred prayer ritual and meal followed.

“This will bring unity and growth to the Jewish community here,” Emmer said of the new Torah.