Sephardic torah gifted to Ashkenazy shul
A new Sefer Torah has been consecrated at Nefesh Shul in Sydney’s Bondi.
Sephardi and Ahkenazy Torahs Pic: Ben Apfelbaum/J-Wire
Rabbi Ritchie Moss and Rev Henry Amzalak dance with the new Torah Pic: Ben Apfelbaum/J-Wire
The consecration of a Torah is always a special time, but what made this occasion particularly memorable was the new Torah has an ornate Sephardic cover. The shul now has four kosher Torahs.
“It is a unique occasion when an Ashkenazy and Sephardi Torah are seen together, side by side in shul” said Rabbi Moss.
Large and round , the heavy silver casing is decorated with the Ten Commandments and twelve tribes of Israel . There is a lot of beautifully wrought detail.
Commissioned in Israel, the Torah has been donated by the Tamim family in honour of their parents who lived in Israel. When their mother was on her deathbed , she gave a sign that she was happy for her family to send it to relatives in Sydney.
As part of the ceremony, the Torah was paraded up and down the street outside. No sooner had the parade entered the synagogue, than heavy rain descended.
“Approval from on high perhaps?” says Rabbi Moss.
