A milestone was marked in Postville, Iowa on Monday, Chof Daled Adar Alef, when the Lubavitch community hosted its first Hachnosas Sefer Torah, welcoming the first Torah belonging to the community.
Until now, the Chabad Shul, Achdus Yisroel, relied on the generosity of Torah banks and other loan options but never owned a Torah.
Then, about two years ago, Rabbi Shmulie Benshimon spearheaded a campaign to raise the funds necessary to purchase a beautiful Sefer Torah, bought by the community, for the community.
Recently, a Mehudar Torah in Alter Rebbe’s ksav was sourced and the community was overjoyed to finally welcome it amid much fanfare this week.
The community and Yeshiva bochurim gathered to greet the Torah and dance with it to the Shul. Upon arriving at Shul, exuberant dancing continued for some time, before the crowd washed and sat down for a festive Seuda, arranged and prepared by the women of the community.
Rabbi Benshimon spoke about the Mitzvah that each person has to own a Torah and how one is Yotzei the Mitzvah by his community owning a Sefer Torah.
He remarked that although the Halacha talks about everyone needing to force their friends in this matter, in this case, the community’s participation was so remarkable that no forcing was necessary; on the contrary, the community all came forward to contribute willingly and happily.
Rabbi Koppel Zirkind, the Menahel of the Yeshiva Gedolah, spoke about the unbelievable Achdus that was exhibited throughout all stages of the project, connecting it to the daily Tanya. It was a beautiful and memorable event, thoroughly enjoyed by all.
