By COLlive reporter
Congregation Levi Yitzchok of Morristown, New Jersey, is completing a new Torah long in the making and is hoping to honor it with a befitting crown made from gold and silver.
The 30 year-old Shul commissioned the writing of a new Torah two years ago. The sofer Rabbi Mendel Klein of Kfar Chabad, Israel, will be writing the last letters this coming month of Elul.
Now the shul is hoping to collect scrap gold and silver metal from the community, as well as from outside supporters, which will be melted down for a crown.
Ezra Solomon, the shul’s president and a professional dealing in high quality bridal jewelry, said he envisions a hand-crafted one-of-a-kind Kesser.
He told COLlive.com that a jewelry designer and a master craftsman have already been hired for the unique project, while one third of the required materials have been collected.
Valuable items such as jewelry, Kiddush cups, candle sticks, broken and damaged silver dishes, cutlery and other objects were donated and will be refined for use.
“The electrifying feelings of emotion of people when handing in a valuable possession knowing that it will be used to make a Kesser, makes this work exhilarating,” Solomon said.
“People feel that their sentimental unused jewelry or silverware are going to become part of the community’s most valuable and holiest possession – the Torah.”
He said the idea came from the Jewish people giving from their gold and precious metal to build the Holy Temple.
The Hachnosas Sefer Torah is scheduled for Sunday, Yud Beis Elul – September 11.
They noted that the commencement of the Kesser needs to begin soon, with hopefully many more items and donations still to come in.
Arrangements can be made to pick-up your donation.
You will be given a tax deductible receipt once your gold or silver has been weighed and valued.
If you would like to donate please contact Ezra Solomon on his cell 845 367 2770 and leave a nessage, or email reb.ezra.solomon@gmail.com.
A lot of people want to send checks so we can buy silver/gold for the Kesser.
Thanks. PLEASE SEND to:-
Congregation Levi Yitzchok
c/o Rabbinical College of America
226 Sussex Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
Scrap gold or silver can be anything from a broken chain, to damaged kiddush cups and unwanted items
Thanks for all the posts and comments.
We cannot advertise a drop-off point as it poses a security risk
Please call me on 845 367 2770 to arrange a simple hassle-free way to get your donation to me. Thanks again and especially to COLlive for a terrific article.
How do we get our precious metals to them?
Can I suggest you arrange a drop-off point in Crown Heights as i am sure you will get a good response that way
They deserve all the Gold and Silver for this unique project.
I will be sending a few small things including some cuff links and my wifes broken ear ring, as I am sure a few items from many will give them the other 2/3rds that they need.
My Chosen bought my ring from H. Levi. I absolutely love my ring. I went to choose my ring from them and Levi Heber and Ezra Solomon were amazing. They made a one-of-kind custom ring for me just the way I wanted it. I love my ring and many people admire it. SO, any Kesser made by them will be something to see. Wow, What a Kesser it will be!
Ezra (H.Levi & Co.) made our engagement ring and wedding band – Absolutely maginicent work with great passion. We were very happy. I’m sure the same passion will go into the Kesser – it should be “something else”. Tremendous – can’t wait to see it. Better put a copy right and patent on it!
Morristown Congregation Levi Yitzchok is thriving thanks to Ezra, Rabbi Wilschanski, Rabbi Schtrocks, and Reuven Tarlow. We really appreciate their commitment and achievemnet. What’s next?
I don’t have much. but I will contact Ezra to send odd bits of jewelry that are lying in my drawer for years. Great feeling to know it will go into a Kesser.
Hatzlacha Rabbah with this great project
You show them mate. We are proud of you from down under!