On September 15, Milton and Fran Pfeiffer of Staten Island hosted the dedication of a sefer Torah that was written to memorialize all the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who gave up their lives Al Kiddush Hashem since the beginning of Operation Swords of Iron on October 7, 2023. Kibbutz Alumim, one of only two shomer Shabbos kibbutzim in the south of Israel, was among the first to be attacked in the Gaza Envelope. Thanks to the resourcefulness and bravery of the standby squad, they managed to repel the first attacks and push the terrorists to the outskirts of the kibbutz, where the rioters burned down the entire dairy and much of the kibbutz’s equipment. Alumim was first place in milk production in Israel for many years. With the help of volunteers from all over Israel, they were able to resume milking the cows, but due to the trauma the cows endured, the quality of their milk was affected and it had to be discarded as it was unfit for use.
The sefer Torah was written in memory of all the “kedoshim” who were brutally killed during this horrific nightmare and in the hope that the hostages will soon be returned to their loved ones—in good health, both physically and emotionally. Six large, impressive color poster boards were on display at the Torah dedication with a picture of every one of the 700 soldiers who died in the war since October 7. A second poster board contained the names and pictures of the 75 hostages who were mercilessly killed since the war began—the most recent being Hersh Goldberg-Polin—may their memories be a blessing.
The cost of writing this new sefer Torah was $50,000, and it took almost a year to complete. There are 54 parshiyot in the Torah. Every man who wanted the zechus of “owning” a full parsha and writing a letter at the special Hachnasat Sefer Torah celebration was asked to contribute $900.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Rabbi Ettinger and Rabbi Sturm of Staten Island. Eyal Rein and David Barr, two representatives from Kibbutz Alumim, attended the Torah writing ceremony and expressed their hakarat hatov for the beautiful gift of the new Torah, giving the residents of the kibbutz a new lease on life. The guests had an opportunity to ask Rein and Barr questions about the kibbutz and find out what has happened to the residents since October 7.. Everyone joined in to sing songs of achdut led by noted singer Aryeh Pearlman.
With beautiful refreshments and joyous dancing with the new Torah, the afternoon was a resounding success. The Torah will be transported to Israel to be used on the night of Hoshana Raba and will give much-needed chizuk to the residents of Kibbutz Alumim who are slowly starting to return to their homes.
As president of Nachas Unlimited, a not-for-profit corporation, Milton Pfeiffer is well known for his tireless efforts to raise funds for tzedakah. His campaigns have helped children in need of multiple surgeries and long-term medical treatments. He is also a “marbitz Torah,” has defrayed the cost of publishing seforim written by gedolim, and has raised funds for previous Torah dedications. He said, “The money we accumulate in this world is not our money—it all belongs to Hashem.” He and Fran Pfeiffer are grateful for all the good in their lives, primarily the blessing of b”H healthy children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As an expression of hakarat hatov, he has chosen to devote his life to charitable causes.
Our Torah unites Jews all over the world and promises life to those who cling to her. Right before we return the Torah to the Aron Kodesh, we say, “Eitz Chaim He La’Machazikim Boh, V’Somcheha Me’ushar.” The Torah is a living entity to those who embrace her and promises happiness to those who support her! Through the selfless efforts of the Pfeiffers, the residents of Kibbutz Alumim will undoubtedly dance with boundless simcha and hug their new Torah ever so tightly as tears of gratitude stream down their faces.
We pray that Hashem grants Jews all over the world a k’tiva v’chatima tova, a year of peace and serenity, good health and nachas unlimited.
