Be Part of Congregation Beth Shalom's Torah Celebration and Be Written into CBS History
Carry Cohn, Rabbis Nancy and David, and Carl Miller watch Rabbi Klein as he begins the process to finalize the New CBS Torah during his September 9 visit to CBS.
Torah Dedication and Celebration
Sunday, February 10, 2013 | 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Download the form to sponsor a letter, word, verse etc.
Click here to make an online contribution for the CBS Torah Fundraiser.
We are so thrilled! The year of the Torah will officially kick-off on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at Congregation Beth Shalom. With education programs for the Sunday school students, a special learning session for early contributors and members, along with the first writings into the new Torah, we are excited about all the activity.
This is your opportunity to help support and promote this historic program for our congregation. Please peruse through the brochure to review all the opportunities there are to participate. We invite you to encourage both your CBS friends, family and those in our community to participate in the event as well. You support will make this Torah program a huge success.
This is an unforgettable experience and we are hoping for a 100 percent participation from our membership. Those that make a minimum $180 donation by sponsoring letters, words, paragraphs etc., will be invited to a special pre Torah Dedication reception.
Help us make the Year of the Torah the most memorable and exciting effort our congregation has seen since our founding nearly 40 years ago.
We especially want to thank our early donors who made it possible to reach this point.
Carry Cohn and Michael Alcalay
Co-Chair, The Year of the Torah
Rabbi Klein, our New York Sofer, will be at Congregation Beth Shalom on these dates to write in your special letter, word, verse.
Torah Sponsorship Opportunities
Book/s of Torah.......................$10,000 donation
Dedicate one complete book of the five Books in the Torah.
Crown......................................$8,000 donation
The Beautiful sterling silver crown, with your family name engraved will be prominently displayed above the Torah.
Sedra/s - Weekly Portion/s ....$770 donation
Endow a Torah portion for yourself and/or a friend by choosing a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding anniversary or birthday Torah portion.
Aliya/s - Torah Section/s .......$360 donation
Endow a Torah section for yourself and/or a friend by choosing from a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or wedding anniversary Torah portion.
Chapter....................................$360 donation
Endow a Chapter in the Torah that has special meaning to you and/or a friend.
Pasuk/im - Torah verse/s........$180 donation
Endow a Torah verse that has special meaning to you and/or a friend.
Word/s in the Torah.................$72 donation
Endow a word in the Torah that has special meaning to you and/or a friend.
Letter/s in the Torah................$18 donation
Endow letters of a Jewish name for yourself and/or a friend (or the first letter thereof).
SPECIAL SELECTIONS...............$1,800 donation
Endow a Special Selection in the Torah for yourself and/or a friend. You may choose to mark a personal simcha, or to connect to a unique blessing in the Torah.
FAQ
Why a New Torah?
Although CBS has four Torahs, only one passes for being barely kosher. The other three Torahs have been examined by a Sofer and have been determined to be beyond repair.
How Can A Torah Not Be Kosher?
Over time, parchment rips, letters fade, and in one case, there is actually pencil or pen writing in one of the Torahs. Additionally, CBS no longer unfurls a Torah during Simcha Torah becuase we fear further damage may occur.
Why Not Just Repair What We Have?
The three non kosher Torahs are beyond repair. They have been repaired in years gone by but now the repairs are failing again. In one Torah, there is a small whole in the middle of the scroll.
Who Examined The Torahs?
A week after Carry's birthday celebration event, Rabbi Klein from Klein Brothers in New York made a visit to again examine our Torahs. He came to the same conclusion that they were not repairable.
What is a Gently Used Torah?
Most often they are restored Torahs that have been certified Kosher by a Sofer. Many of the used Torahs are already in a much better condition before being restored then those in the CBS Ark. Gently used Torahs come from Temples that have merged with other Temples or those that just want to upgrade their Torahs.
Has a New Gently Used Torah Been Selected?
Yes! Rabbi Klein brought with him several samples of gently used Kosher Torahs. After a thorough review, Rabbi Nancy and Carry Cohn selected a Torah that would meet our current day and future needs. They were thrilled! This Torah has been placed on hold for CBS.
What is The Cost?
The Torah, shipping, apparel (Crown, etc.) will cost approximately $20,000.
How Much Have You Raised?
To date we have collected both pledges and checks in the amount of $11,000. We will not purchase the Torah until we have raised the total funds needed to make the purchase.
How Can I Make A Contribution To The Torah Fund?
Absolutely! We are accepting pledges for the purchase of the Torah. Our goal is to have the $20,000 in hand by May 1, 2012. Send checks to CBS and note on the check "Torah Purchase." You can also make your payment online.
Will There Be Opportunities To Sponsor Letters, Words and Phrases in The New Torah!
Yes. Once we raise the initial funds for the purchase, everyone will have the opportunity to sponsor letters, words and/or phrases in the new Torah. The Sofer will be making two to three trips from New York to CBS to inscribe additional lettering. We will be posting more information and details about those events once the initial funds are raised.
What Will Happen To The Three Non Kosher Torahs?
We will keep all three of the non kosher Torahs in the Ark as they have no monetary value in the gently used Torah market place. Also, one of the non kosher Torahs is on permament loan to us. It was a Torah that survived and was rescued from the Holocaust. With our new beautiful Ark hand crafted by Ben Golub, the son of Temple of Arnie Marie Golub, we now have space for a fifth Torah.
Who is Chairing The Torah Campaign
Carry Cohn and Michael Alcalay are serving as the chairs for the campaign. Any assistance you can provide them would be much appricated.
Okay, I'm In! Where Do I Send My Check?
Please send your check to Congregation Beth Shalom at 4746 El Camino Avenue, Carmichael, California 95608. Attention Torah Fund. Plesae make sure you note "Torah Fund" on the Check too. you can also pay online through eventbrite. Click here to make your donation.
Will There Be A Celebration Event Upon The Official Arrival of The new Torah!
A Special Message from Carry Cohn
From The Rabbis - A Special Video Edition
The meaning of the Torah Dedication
An Experience of A Lifetime!
Be part of the new Torah coming to Congregation Beth Shalom
View the video to hear the excitement and meaning of a new Torah for our congregation.