Kehillat Nashira has received a very special gift: our first Sefer Torah. Read on to discover the full journey!
Our journey begins with the Sefer Torah in Hackensack, New Jersey. The community there, having more Sifrei Torah than they needed, decided to share their surplus with growing communities like ours. Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe and Maharat student Susan Hornstein were responsible for bringing the Torah from Hackensack, New Jersey to the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale (HIR) in the Bronx, New York. The Torah was looked after at HIR by Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe for a week, awaiting the arrival of Jonathan Arkush (our Rabbi Miriam's father) to escort it on its journey to the UK!
(Photo on left: Kehillat Nashira's sefer torah with Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe and Maharat student Susan Hornstein. (Photo on right: Jonathan Arkush packing up the sefer torah with Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe at the HIR synagogue in Riverdale with the Torah.)
Then, the adventure truly began with Jonathan Arkush taking on the task of escorting the Torah to the UK. Next stop: JFK airport, ready for its transatlantic flight.
Our Sefer Torah then made its way through the airport! In the video below, Jonathan Arkush recalls the memorable journey of carrying a Sefer Torah through an airport. He describes how ground staff assisted him (not with the Torah, but with his luggage!) so he could carry the Torah himself. He also notes that the Torah was heavier than anticipated, and he soon found himself perspiring under its weight.
But the real adventure began at security. The staff, respectful yet intrigued, still had to treat the Torah like any other item of luggage. The Torah was placed on the conveyor belt and sent through the X-ray machine! He describes the reactions around him as "priceless". Charedi travellers looked on in astonishment, their faces a mix of reverence and disbelief. And then, in the airport lift, a disabled man took one look at him, cradling the Torah, and nodded knowingly.
"You've got some precious cargo there," he remarked
.
First on the plane!
The airline recognised the significance of this cargo and allowed Jonathan to pre-board the plane, ensuring the Torah’s safe passage. As the first passenger on board, he was met with respect and kindness from the crew, who carefully stowed the Torah in their uniform cupboard!
The cabin crew explained that it's common for passengers to get tired after long flights and forget their belongings on board.
"In the morning, don't forget to take the Sefer Torah!" advised the crew.
But the journey wasn't over yet ...
Walking what felt like miles through Heathrow, Torah in hand, Jonathan couldn't help but think,
"This is like the longest hagba ever."
The long, winding queues at passport control tested his patience, and when he finally reached the e-reader booth, he braced himself for an interesting exchange. The Torah, as always, drew attention - but with a nod of respect, he was waved through. Finally, with a trolley in sight, he let out a sigh of relief...
And at last, after all the miles and all the moments, it arrived safely home in Elstree/Borehamwood.
This past Shabbat, March 1st, we had the privilege of using our new Sefer Torah for the first time, and we read the special Rosh Chodesh Maftir for Adar from it.
Well done sir, and yasher koach! It's always fun putting unusual objects through airport security - my ukulele often prompts giggles from the officers - but transporting a sefer torah by hand is something else. It's wonderful to hear that the sefer inspired reverence and respect, even in those who didn't really know what it was. Thank you for escorting her safely to her new home.