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A Torah restoration project

Temple Am Echad learns from the master

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By Mary Malloy

mmalloy@liherald.com

Jewish tradition teaches that writing even a single letter (in the Torah) is to be considered as though writing a complete Torah.

 Parents, grandparents, and all congregational members were invited to join in a wonderful learning program as Temple Am Echad began a Torah Restoration Project.

A number of people participated in the beginning of the restoration of the Am Echad Torah, led by Sofer Neil Yerman on De. 7. The Torah that is being restored is approximately 130 years old, and it is thought to have been brought to the United Stated from Germany.

The restoration, under the educational guidance of Yerman, is ongoing until it’s completion. It brings individuals, to participate in groups, to learn about the materials of the scroll, the elements of the inks, and quills used to write in the Torah. Each person is given the opportunity to actually write a letter on the parchment with him.

A Master Teacher who is comfortable working with people of all ages, and of all faiths, Yerman’s educational focus is to foster a love for both the physical Torah and for the letters of wisdom it contains. He is skilled in the art of Gematria (Jewish numerology) and uses this technique and its Kabbalistic underpinnings, when appropriate, to open up new worlds of meaning and understanding of the Torah, Jewish life, Jewish living, and the universal concepts of peace, justice, and tikkun olam — the healing of the world.

It is a moving and fulfilling experience. Each participating person, both child and adult, leaves the temple having participated in an enriching and emotional experience.