By Pat Lidiker
The streets around Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue came alive as a 200-strong crowd celebrated the arrival of a new Sefer Torah. Music, dancing and singing marked the joyous occasion as the scroll was carried under a chuppah to the synagogue.
Marcia and Martin Wohlman, whose family own the scroll and have officially loaned it to the synagogue, described the event as “just like Simchat Torah all over again!”
Members of the community joined the parade on Manor Road, alongside the Wohlmans, their children and other family members.
The arrival of the Torah was the culmination of a long journey. Rabbi Rafi Goodwin had highlighted the synagogue’s need, as only two of its existing Torah scrolls were still suitable for use, while others were beyond repair.
Marcia, who had recently benefited from the estate of a dear 96-year-old aunt in Vancouver, said: “This gave me the opportunity to obtain a new Torah to lend to the synagogue where Martin and I have been members for the past 10 years.”
The scroll was ordered from Israel with the assistance of Rabbi Rafi, who liaised with Rabbi Yehuda Pink from Solihull. Rabbi Rafi brought it home in a holdall, and the family watched as the two rabbis assembled it in Golders Green, sewing the parchment onto wooden poles (Atzei Chaim).
A date was set after the Yom Tovim for the presentation. The Wohlmans invited the Rabbonim, Honorary Officers of the synagogue, family and friends to their home to watch the sofer (scribe) complete the final letters. The Torah was then dressed in its mantle and, escorted by CST and the police, carried and danced to the synagogue accompanied by music.
On arrival, two other Torah scrolls joined the new one, allowing all to enter its new home together. A short service was followed by a buffet in the Johnnie and Minnie Simmons Function Hall.
Rabbi Rafi said: “What a beautiful simcha for the community and the Wohlman family. The first time we will officially call people up to make blessings over the new Torah will be on Shabbat Chanukah. By divine providence, we will read about how each tribal prince brought a dedication offering for the Tabernacle.”
Synagogue Chair Colin Franklin added: “This was a wonderful occasion for our community. We are deeply grateful to the Wohlman family for their extraordinary kindness and generosity. Their commitment to our synagogue and Jewish tradition is inspiring, and this new Torah will enrich our services and strengthen our connection to Torah for generations.”
