Festive Torah Dedication at ASBEE

On Sunday, May 20th, ASBEE will dedicate a new Torah with much fanfare.
The ceremony will include diverse segments ranging from the filling in
of the Torah to a bagpipe parade. At 3 PM, in the Lit  Foyer, Rabbi
Sheftel Skaist of the MHA, who is a certified Sofer, or scribe, will
fill in the final letters of the Torah. People from the community will
have an opportunity to dedicate an aliyah, a verse, 3 words, one  word
or a letter. The costs for these honors range from $360 down to $18
dollars. All are welcome to observe as he fills in the letters. Books
will be available for sale, which is another way to get the mitzvah of
owning Jewish Torah books. Cantor Samberg will instruct children as to
how to write Torah script.

At 4 PM, in the ASBEE parking lot, they will have a Torah parade, led by
the bagpipes from the Wolf River Pipes and Drums band. The torah will
follow in a float held by the Rabbi, Cantor, and Officers, the parade
will be followed by horses as well provided and ridden by Nathan Lubin.
The Children of ASBEE will also march and invite others to join them
with flags and banners. At 4:30 PM the Torah will be escorted into the
building accompanied by the band led by  Shimon Kaminetsky. The Torah,
under a wedding canopy will then be accepted in the sanctuary by the
other scrolls. There will be a talk explaining our new magnificent Torah
covers designed by Inna Golub, a renowned Jewish Ritual Artist, and
Rabbi Finkelstein will speak about "Living in the Presence of
Greatness." The Children of ASBEE will also lead a Cantata composed by
Rabbi F. for the occasion.

"It is not often one has the opportunity to participate in writing a
Torah and welcoming it to its Shul," said Rabbi F. "This dedication is
going to be a very festive and lively occasion which all will enjoy."
Esther Lubin, chair of the event along with Rosalyn Lit and Ellen
Lebovitz said that "this is going to be one of the most interesting and
varied, multicultural, and multi media events in the city. No one will
want to miss this."

Following the dedication, at which casual dress is welcome, the entire
community is welcome to our annual Jerusalem Day Picnic, with dinner to
purchase, and a presentation by the "Moody Jews" singing group.