In the fall of 2022, our congregation began to fulfill its dream of many years: to help write and dedicate a new Sefer Torah. In its earliest form, that dream had been eloquently articulated and wisely guided by Todd David Shuster (z”l), a beloved leader of our community who passed away in June of 2022, and in whose memory the scroll is being dedicated this weekend.
This timeline shows the journey of the scroll and of our congregation through "Together in Torah", a year of programming built around the dedication of our own Sefer Torah.
Early 2000s
The Torah is scribed in Israel and acquired by Israel BookShop by shop founder Eli Dovek. It was not completed as there was no one to purchase the scroll immediately.
Early 2010s
Todd Shuster & Ken Siskind et. al begin talking about a new Torah scroll that is small and more accessible in size for all members of our congregation.
Spring 2022
A foundational gift from Randy Gollub and Jon Hirschtick makes it possible for BETC to move beyond planning and dreaming to actually scribing a Torah.
Summer 2022
A Torah Committee is assembled and work begins with our two soferim, Sofer Neil Yerman and Soferet Julie Seltzer. Randy Gollub and Sofer Yerman visit Israel BookShop owner Chaim Dovek (son of Eli Dovek) and purchase our scroll. Our year of Torah, “Together in Torah” is born. In conversation with Torah volunteers, the project is named by Louise Domenitz and the logo is designed by Lara Riehle and Rachael Fagin.
Simchat Torah 5783
Randy Gollub and Jon Hirschtick kick off our year of Together in Torah by scribing the first letter! Programming begins with the Social Action weekend themed “Together in Torah, Living Our Values” with a Teen Table Talk led by Amy Tananbaum, Social Action Shabbat with the presentation of the Jonathan Jacoby Tikkun Olam Award, and Mitzvah Day for our community.
October 2022
An exploration of Rabbi Lawrence Kushner's beautiful work: "The Book of Letters: A Mystical Alef-bait." Beginning with the material in Rabbi Kushner's classic book, and then expanding to other source material from Jewish tradition and hands-on calligraphy, this class explored the many lessons and meanings hidden in the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
November 4-6, 2022
Our first Torah Weekend began with First Friday Community Dinner and Shabbat Services with a D’var Torah by Sofer Neil Yerman. On Shabbat morning, Sofer Yerman led Torah Study with Rabbi Kraus and participated in our Shabbat service, before leading our community in a Lunch & Learn program. Shabbat concluded with Havdalah and a Hebrew Calligraphy program sponsored by Adult Learning. On Sunday, our Religious School students learned with Sofer Yerman, and our community scribed 68 letters in our scroll.
December 3-5, 2022
Soferet Julie Seltzer joined us for our second Torah Weekend beginning with with First Friday Community Dinner and Shabbat Services with a D’var Torah by Soferet Seltzer. On Shabbat morning, Soferet Seltzer led Torah Study with Rabbi Kraus and participated in our Shabbat service, before leading our community in a Q&A Lunch & Learn about her journey to become a scribe. Shabbat concluded with Havdalah and Soferet Seltzer’s program “What’s the Point? Crowns, Dots, and Other Scribal Intrigues” sponsored by Adult Learning. On Sunday, our Religious School students learned with Sofer Seltzer, and our community scribed 88 letters in our scroll.
December 17, 2022
Adult Learning movie screening and discussion with filmmaker Thomas Gallagher about his movie “Amen, Amen, Amen.”
December, 2022, January & February 2023
In December, January, and March, the Women of Reform Judaism @ BETC hosted Torah study sessions open to all. Sessions were led by Cantor Jeri Robins, Abby Fisher, Paulette Black, and guest Trina Novak.
February 17, 2023
Adult Learning movie screening and Q&A with “Space Torah” Executive Producer Rachel Raz
March 17-19, 2023
History is made when Sofer Yerman and Sofer Seltzer both join us to scribe in our Torah! Both Soferim lent their musical gifts to our Tefillah Band Shabbat, with Sofer Yerman playing the clarinet and Soferet Seltzer singing with the band.
April 30, 2023
To honor his wide-reaching legacy at BETC, Randy Gollub & Jon Hirschtick dedicate our new Torah to Todd Shuster (z”l). The Torah Restoration Fund was renamed the Todd Shuster Torah & Ritual Objects Fund and fundraising begins to support the adornment and care of our Torahs.
May 11, 2023
Sponsored by Adult Learning, Dr. Susie Tanchel visits BETC and presents “Together in Torah: Our Past and Present” exploring and uncovering the multiplicity of authors in the Torah and honoring their individual themes, interests, and foci.
May, 2023
Judaica fiber artist Jeanette Kuvin Oren gives the final designs for our new “every day” Torah covers.
Summer, 2023
For our new Torah, Atzei Chayim (Torah rollers) are created with plates to mark the dedication in memory of Todd Shuster and the generosity of the Gollub-Hirschtick family.
September, 2023
Our Torah crowns, the Rimonim, are repaired and polished for our new Shuster Torah.
October 13, 2023
A Friday evening of worship and music with BETC's Tefillah Band followed by a festive oneg in our social hall.
October 14, 202
Our celebration included Havdalah, reflection, appreciation, and a special tribute to Todd Shuster z’’, along with music, dancing & refreshments
May the beauty of these scrolls, both inside and out, be reflected in our individual lives and in the life we create together.As it has been for all the generations of our people, may Torah be for us a “Tree of Life.” May we always hold it close, and may we feel its embrace as we experience the privilege of passing our tradition midor lador, from generation to generation.
