New Torah marks rebirth
'The atmosphere was one of joy, camaraderie and a touching sentiment of the past and present melding together.'
Newcastle Hebrew Congregation dedicated a new Torah on Sunday, February 6.
The Torah was donated by shule president Max Lenzer and his brother Ben Lenzer, in loving memory of their parents Mischa and Freda Lenzer, grandparents Jonas and Ettie Goldring and great-aunt Leah Fagelman. The rimonim, breast plate and yad were donated by Rex and Joy Schmidt.
Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon was present for the festivities.
“Our hall was at capacity for the completion of the letters with the beautiful shule itself looking bright and inviting to all who attended,” a shule spokesperson said.
“The atmosphere was one of joy, camaraderie and a touching sentiment of the past and present melding together.”
The hall was filled with laughter and ruach while Melbourne-based scribe Rabbi Eli Gutnick filled in the last few letters of the Torah and people had the opportunity to dedicate a letter and have their picture taken.
The Torah procession, under a chuppah, then left the hall and went along Tyrell Street and into the main entry to the shule with much singing and dancing.
“The excitement was felt by all at the new arrival entering the shule doors,” the spokesperson said.
Established in 1905, the shule is one of the oldest congregations in Australia, having seen world wars, depression, an earthquake, a 50-year gap without a permanent rabbi as well as an ageing community.
“For so many members who have watched the shule struggle with attendance and even viability, this moment signified the rebirth of a community, and with it the beautiful shule that has stood through it all,” the spokesperson said.