Sunday was a day of celebration for JRLC of South Beach, Staten Island, directed by Rabbi Zeev and Esther Kushnirsky, as they received a new Torah scroll for use at their center for the first time in its history.
The last letters of the Torah scroll were finished at the center, following the completion of the scrolls, a procession with music and dancing took place on the streets.
Aside from the procession, the event also featured live music (by Shimon Tevel) and kids program with face painting (by Bananaface Face Painting), balloon shaping (by Yossi Serebransky) and different crafts for kids.
Rabbi Kushnirsky said the participation level from the local Jewish community was “outstanding” and is a testament to the growth the congregation has seen since he opened 2 years ago. The center is overseen by Rabbi Eli Kogan, who now is the executive director of the Jewish Russian Learning Center and rabbi of Congregation Shaarei Teshuvah.
The Torah is dedicated in merit of the Kontorovich Family, Risnic Family, Ilishayev Family, Shimunov Family, Davidov Family, Yakubov Family, Carmi and Zejger Families and anonymous friends.
“It says in Tehilim ‘harchev picha va’amaleyhu’ meaning when we make a vessel Hashem fills it in. After we received a donation of the beautiful Aron Kodesh (ark) from one of our congregants, we were able to get together the donors and get our Sefer Torah,” said Rabbi Kushnirsky.
“The event was simply amazing!” exclaimed Anna Khalfin, one of the founders of the community. “Thanks to everyone who was able to make it and a big thank you to the amazing families who made it possible for us to finally have our own Torah,” she said.
The community is still recovering from the devastation wreaked upon it by the winds and floodwater of Hurricane Sandy. But events like this show that even after such tragedies the community is strong and united.
Photos: Eliyahu Belinsky
Go Eli Mully !!!
Bracha BeHatzlacha with your shlichus.