New Torah for Temple Ahavat Achim

On December 17, 2007, when Temple Ahavat Achim burned to the ground, all religious objects, including the Temple’s torah scrolls, were lost. The Temple, having now been rebuilt, has begun the process of having a new torah hand printed in the ancient tradition.

Rabbi Yochanan Salazar is a master sofer, or scribe, who today oversaw the  Hebrew inscription of a  portion of the new torah by members of the congregation. Participation in the  process is a moral deed performed as a religious duty.

Summer residents of Gloucester (and year round visitors) Jane Paznik-Bondarin and Andrew Karlin added a letter under the watchful eye and guidance of Rabbi Salazar, starting with a ritual hand washing and ending with the award of a certificate commemorating the event.