MOSCOW, Russia – The Moscow Jewish Community Center hosted a ceremony for the completion of a new Torah scroll, which was sponsored by businessman Yefim Roitman in memory of his father. The ceremony began in the crowded amphitheater hall where, in following with tradition, the last letters of the scroll were written.
In his speech, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar said that each letter in a Torah scroll is important, since it cannot be considered to be a kosher scroll if any of the letters are damaged or missing. "Writing a Torah scroll and carrying it around in a celebratory procession – these are only part of the task. The main thing is that a person feels that the Torah lives inside him and becomes his guide in life," emphasized Rabbi Lazar.
This ceremony was also attended by Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger, who is currently visiting Moscow. In his speech, he spoke of the donor’s name, offering three versions of its interpretation. First, remarking that the word "Roit" in Yiddish means "red," Rabbi Metzger drew attention to the fact that the donor’s cheeks were red from blushing. The second version of his name refers to inner beauty, which no doubt has increased after preparing this Torah scroll. The third version also refers to this kind act, which has transformed Mr. Roitman into a Right Man – a righteous man.
Rabbi Metzger also drew attention to the fact that this was a truly international scroll, as the scroll itself was made in the United State, the silver crown was made in Israel, and the induction of the new Torah scroll was taking place in Russia. Rabbi Metzger retold the audience the story of Rabbi Akiva who was burned to death wrapped in a Torah scroll in the 2nd century b.c.e. “When asked by his disciples, ‘Rabbi, what do you see?’ He replied ‘I see the parchment burning, but the letters are reaching to the Heavens.’ The meaning of this story is that they can, G-d forbid, burn the Torah scrolls or even, heaven forefend, burn the Jews, but they can never destroy the Jewish soul. The body will burn, but the letters and everything they symbolize will live on and will proceed to the next generation,’ said Rabbi Metzger.
Rabbi Metzger noted that 20 years ago, it was impossible to imagine that the Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Chief Rabbi of Russia would join in celebrating a new Torah scroll being brought to a Moscow synagogue. Rabbi Metzger highlighted Yefim Roitman’s role, stating that one of the most exalted ways to pay tribute to a loved one is to have a Torah scroll written in his memory. "I am confident that your father is watching you and is saying ‘Thank you son,’” Rabbi Metzger told Mr. Roitman.
After the scroll was raised high for all of those in attendance to see, it was covered with a regal velvet “coat” and topped with a silver crown. Afterwards, the festivities for carrying in the Torah scroll proceeded into the synagogue in the Moscow Jewish Community Center.
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