Saved again in 2024
Amid the destruction, a profound moment of hope emerged as responders and congregants saved the shule's Sifrei Torah and tefillin, safeguarding the heart of the community.
On Friday, December 6, a fire swept through the Adass Shule, deeply impacting Melbourne’s Jewish community.
Amid the destruction, a profound moment of hope emerged as responders and congregants saved the shule’s Sifrei Torah and tefillin, safeguarding the heart of the community.
Hours later, members were invited to collect these sacred items, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
Among the treasures saved was a Sefer Torah donated by Jonas (Yonah) and Michal Eckstein z’l with an extraordinary legacy. These scrolls, saved from the horrors of the Holocaust, were brought to Melbourne by the Ecksteins, who survived unimaginable darkness yet remained unwavering in their faith.
During the Holocaust, the Ecksteins heroically saved several Sifrei Torahs and helped rescue thousands of Jews, in the face of unspeakable evil.
Their commitment to safeguarding Jewish life and heritage led them to assist with the establishment of the Adass Shule in Melbourne.
Three generations later, the Eckstein family ensured the survival of these Torahs once again. In a poignant scene, their descendants cradled the rescued scrolls.
The Torah, a pillar of light and wisdom, reminds us of our heritage and identity, connecting the past, present and future. Its survival amid flames underscores the resilience of the Jewish spirit and the responsibility to preserve it for generations to come.
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