Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David celebrates Torah repairs at fundraiser

Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre held a special celebration called a Siyum last Sunday to culminate the Torah repair project that started back in March.

All congregants and donors who participated in the fundraiser fulfilled the 613th mitzvah — or good deed — of writing a Torah, and the congregation’s fundraising committee led the charge.

“It really took a great effort from Rabbi Howard Diamond, Dr. Martin Greenberg, and Nancy Hochhauser and her fundraising committee — including Samantha Berman-Melendez, Judy Greenberg, Lisa Mack, Elisa Matas-Skolnick, Caryn Morgenbesser, Nanci Moskowitz and Ethel Oppenheimer — to make this fundraiser and event successful,” said Dr. Laurence Mack, president of the temple.

Following an afternoon prayer service, members of B’nai Sholom-Beth David enjoyed food, Klezmer music and the company of their community, friends and family. “The Siyum was an absolute success,” said Samantha Berman-Melendez, a board trustee and fundraising committee member. “The Klezmer music added a fun yet traditional element to the festivities.”

Clarinetist Ray Musiker, who had performed for the congregation years ago, and his son, pianist Lee Musiker, jammed with the congregation’s cantor, Daniel Mendelson. “It’s a great honor to have Mr. Musiker back, and this time with his son,” Rabbi Diamond said.

“The last time we had done this was back in 1997, and it was a big success,” Greenberg said of the Torah repairs, noting that the Torah scrolls should be checked every seven years. As part of the celebration, donors helped hold the Torah as it was completely unrolled. “It’s really amazing, because you don’t realize how long the Torah is until you have it all opened,” Greenberg added.

“It’s a precious moment when children have the opportunity to fulfill a mitzvah that they learn about so often in the Hebrew school,” said Dan Seid, educational director and principal of the school. “From the moment that scribe came to teach the children how letters and words are written in the Torah, to the moment of our Torah being fully prepared has been a tremendous learning process for our children.”

Rabbi Diamond said to the attendees, “It isn’t every day that we can celebrate such a mitzvah. It’s a special thing we’ve done here.”