Torat Sholom

"And now write for yourselves these words, and teach them to your children." - Deuteronomy 31:19

In honor of Rabbi Donnell’s dedicated service as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom, our congregation is embarking on a year-long journey to create a Torah. Each of us, from the youngest child to the most senior adult, will have the unique privilege of fulfilling the 613th Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah, while we strengthen our congregation.

As we take this journey and create a loving legacy for future generations, we will learn more about how Torah has sustained the Jewish people. Join us in the journey to Torat Sholom, our own Torah of Peace.

In the spirit of tikkun olam, our congregation will donate an existing Torah scroll to a congregation in the Former Soviet Union. This additional mitzvah will bring the light of Torah and the spirit of renewal to a place where the freedom to be Jewish was only a dream for many generations.

Imagine the dramatic moment at Mount Sinai when our ancestors received the Ten Commandments. Imagine the satisfying moment in 1943 when a group of dedicated individuals realized their dream of the first Jewish congregation in Orange County. Imagine the proud moment each time the descendants of current congregants take the mantle off of Torat Sholom and reflect on the vision and generosity of the Jewish community of the early 21st Century.

Now, imagine the emotional moment when you become a vital link in that chain of tradition, as the scribe’s hand guides your hand in the creation of a letter of Torah. Your opportunity to be part of the excitement of Torat Sholom

"Torah is the link to generations of our Jewish People. I am so touched that you are honoring me in this important way" – Rabbi Shelton Donnell
The Torah contains 304,805 letters, beginning with the Hebrew letter Bet, as in Breisheet, and ends with the letter Lamed, as in Yisrael. During the course of a year, from Shavuot 5764 to Shavuot 5765 (May 2004 to June 2005), Temple Beth Sholom congregants and friends will be writing our own Sefer Torah. It will be a year of unforgettable educational and spiritual experiences.

Torat Sholom also offers an opportunity to honor those we remember and love. It is a chance to perform a triple mitzvah – the writing of Torah, the strengthening of our congregation and the act of tikkun olam as we donate a Sefer Torah to another congregation. Join us for the joyous experience of creating our own Sefer Torah and fulfilling the sacred obligation of perpetuating Judaism from generation to generation.

…dipping the quill in ink, as has been done for 3,000 years the very first letters of our Torah will be carefully written on the parchment…

Why are we creating Torat Sholom?

In honor of Rabbi Donnell’s dedicated service as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom, our congregation is embarking on a yearlong journey to create a Torah. Each of us, from the youngest child to the most senior adult, will have the unique privilege of fulfilling the 613th Mitzvah of writing a Sefer Torah. As we take this journey and create a loving legacy for future generations, we will learn more about how Torah has sustained the Jewish people.

How can individuals or families participate in Torat Sholom?

Members and friends of the congregation can meet with our scribes, Neil Yerman and Rabbi Shmuel Miller, to write a letter in the Torah with their guidance. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels. You may also participate in learning events and celebrations throughout the year. You also are invited to join us as a volunteer on one of our many Torat Sholom committees.

How will the Torah actually be written?

The scribes will guide participants to dip the quill in the ink and create some of the letters of the Torah, in particularly meaningful sections, at Temple Beth Sholom. Other sections will be written by the scribes in their studios, so that the Torah can be completed in one year.

How much will it cost to sponsor Torat Sholom?

There are many levels of sponsorship, making it possible for everyone to experience the mitzvah of writing a Torah, as well as to ensure the future of our congregation. Sponsorship opportunities are listed at the back of this brochure.

How can I choose what to write in Torat Sholom?

Each adult or child who sponsors a part of Torat Sholom will have the opportunity to write one letter in our Torah. Exactly where that letter will be located will depend on where the sofer is in the writing of Torat Sholom, rather than in the specific section sponsored. The sofer will ask whom you wish to honor or remember by writing the letter of Torah.

Can I write in the Torah if I am not a calligrapher?

Absolutely. When it is your turn to write in the Torah, you will hold the quill in your hand, together with the hand of our scribe or place your hand on top of the scribe’s hand as he writes your letter. Either way, it will be a moment you will never forget.

When will I be able to write in the Torah?

During each of the scribe’s visits, time will be scheduled for congregants and friends of Temple Beth Sholom to write in Torat Sholom. Signup sheets will be available at each Torat Sholom event, and signups may be scheduled through the Temple office.

How will my contribution be acknowledged?

When Torat Sholom is completed, your donation will be acknowledged in a beautifully designed, permanent record created especially for Torat Sholom. You also will receive a certificate of participation at the Siyyum ceremony, at Shavuot Services in 5765, marking the completion of Torat Sholom.

Won't we have an extra Torah Scroll?

Since we are blessed with so many Sifre Torah, we are donating one of our scrolls to a congregation in Russia.

Update: This is an article from the World Union of Progressive Judaism about our Torah Scroll Donation:

On Shabbat, 20th of November, 2004, Congregation Hatikva, a Reform community in Tula, Russia, has officially received it's first Torah scroll. The scroll was donated by the Reform congregation, in California, Temple Beth Sholom of Orange County through the World Union for Progressive Judaism Shomrei Torah - Guardians of Torah programme. Despite the most severe November snowstorm ever on record in Central Russia more than a 100 people came to the dedication service and a bnai-mitzvah ceremony.

Because of the absence of a scroll before, children in the Congregation Hatikvah never had a chance to read from the Torah. 10 children and teenagers where called to the Torah on this Shabbat. The service and the ceremony were conducted by Rabbi Nelly Shulman, Director of Congregational and Professional Development for the Reform movement in Russia, who brought the scroll from California to Moscow and than to Tula. The members of the Congregation Hatikvah have created a permanent exhibition in their premises about Temple Beth Sholom.