As a writer for the New York Jewish Travel Guide, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the enchanting city of London. With its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture, London offers a unique blend of the old and the new.

One of the most fascinating visits was to the Memorial Scrolls Trust Museum. This permanent exhibition tells the story of the arrival of the Torah scrolls from Prague in 1964 and their subsequent restoration and distribution to communities worldwide. The exhibits include some of these scrolls, along with remarkable Torah bindings, some dating back to the 18th century, and other poignant reminders of the vanished communities of Bohemia and Moravia.

In 1964, with the cooperation of the Czech government and generous support from British philanthropist Ralph Yablon, the scrolls were brought to Westminster Synagogue. A team carefully stored them in three specially constructed rooms in Kent House, where they inspected, repaired and classified the scrolls by their town of origin. Thus, the Memorial Scrolls Trust was born.

Jeffrey Ohrenstein, trustee (chairman) of the London-based Memorial Scrolls Trust, told the New York Jewish Travel Guide (NYJTG) that the Memorial Scrolls Trust has been caring for these 1,564 scrolls ever since. “Most of our scrolls are on permanent loan to Jewish communities across the world, with 1,400 scrolls currently out on loan to 1,300 communities,” he said. “Whenever a community shuts down, the scroll comes back to us.

“Over the past six decades, the Memorial Scrolls Trust Museum’s display has gradually emptied as each scroll has found its rightful place in Jewish communities worldwide. These scrolls serve not only as sacred texts but also as powerful reminders of the 6 million Jews who perished, standing as symbols in the fight against racism and promoting justice and compassion. To date, approximately 1,400 scrolls have been allocated, with 130 remaining in the museum. Our scroll inventory is currently being reviewed to identify small- to medium-sized scrolls that our Sofer Bernard Benarroch can certify as kosher. Additionally, we are in the process of loaning our third scroll back to a Jewish community in the Czech Republic.

“A new religious service called a “scroll gathering” has been introduced. In this ceremony, communities from a specific region come together, bringing their scrolls for a special communal service. This gathering not only commemorates the Jews who lived and died in the Czech Republic but also celebrates the continuation of Jewish life. For example, a recent scroll gathering at Temple Emanuel featured 60 scrolls in the main prayer hall, while another gathering at Kent House included 40 scrolls. Our anniversary year will conclude in Israel. Another anniversary celebration began last September with the launch of the new book, ‘1564 Scrolls: B’nai Mitzvah 10 Pack: A Legacy of Jewish Life in Bohemia and Moravia.’ This book is intended as a gift for bar mitzvah recipients whenever they read from a chapter scroll, adding a meaningful touch to their experience and serving our communities in a profound way.”

An example of this ongoing legacy is Temple Israel in Gary, Indiana, which proudly houses MST#55, one of the 1,564 Czech Memorial Scrolls. This Torah scroll is used at least annually for High Holiday services and occasionally for other Torah services throughout the year. It stands as a powerful reminder of our history and perseverance.

Ohrenstein stated: “We don’t sell or give away scrolls; instead, we allocate them on permanent loans, meaning they are yours as long as they are used for educational purposes, synagogues, or universities. Each scroll bears a brass identification tablet and comes with a certificate recording its origin.”
The allocation is not based on the size of the synagogue’s membership, as they only lend to communities, not individuals.

However, in certain circumstances, such as when communities close permanently due to geographical, financial or economic factors, the scrolls must be returned to us. “In the event of a merger involving two beit midrash or schools, we arrange for both scrolls to be retained, even though typically a community has only one scroll.”

“A Czech sefer Torah holds profound significance as a survivor and a silent witness of the Shoah, embodying the last remnants of tragically lost Jewish communities. These scrolls symbolize the communities and individuals who perished,” Ohrenstein emphasized. “As the chair, I prioritize the quality of the scrolls over their quantity.”

After thorough examination, the scrolls are categorized into different grades: those without significant defects, deemed readily usable; those with irreparable damage, suitable only for commemoration; and middle grades containing many scrolls that could be restored or repaired for functional use.

Over the years, Westminster Synagogue has welcomed visitors from across the globe who come to see the scrolls and observe the restoration efforts. Both Jewish and non-Jewish visitors, including school groups and various institutions, have been deeply moved by the human tragedy implicit in what they witness, acknowledging the immense scale and significance of the project.

There are additional Torah scrolls worldwide that come from Czechoslovakia but are not part of the 1,564 scrolls. The largest single collection, which includes some scrolls over 700 years old, is housed in a surprising location: a closed IDF base at the IDF Rabbinate’s Shura, where over 400 Torah scrolls are carefully preserved.

The museum is actively involved in numerous projects with Jewish communities worldwide, such as organizing events, publishing books, repairing Torah scrolls, conducting museum talks, and collaborating with 1,300 communities globally. A Czech scroll is on display in the Royal Collection at Windsor in England. Queen Elizabeth II was a devout Christian, and if you visited her at Windsor for lunch and were Jewish and religious, either she, Prince Philip or the head curator would take you to see the Czech Memorial Scroll in the Royal Collection.

Czech memorial scrolls are now utilized in numerous parts of the world. While the United States has been a primary recipient, many requests from Israel and virtually every country with thriving Jewish communities have been fulfilled. Additionally, scrolls deemed suitable as memorials are housed at Yad Vashem, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, and numerous other locations where they serve a commemorative purpose.

These Czech scrolls celebrate the Torah, honor Czech Jews and remember the Shoah across the world. They stand as enduring symbols of resilience, faith and the unbreakable spirit of Jewish heritage. Each scroll, carefully preserved and shared, ensures that the legacy of those who suffered and perished is never forgotten. They remind us of the vibrant Jewish communities that once thrived in Bohemia and Moravia, and they inspire future generations to cherish and uphold the rich traditions of our people.

By bringing these scrolls into our communities, we create a living connection to our past, transforming tragedy into a source of strength and unity. They serve not only as historical artifacts but also as active participants in Jewish life, used in education, worship and communal gatherings. Through their presence, we honor the memories of the lost, celebrate the survival of our faith, and affirm our commitment to ensuring that the stories of our ancestors continue to be told and cherished. The Czech scrolls are a testament to the enduring power of hope and the unwavering continuity of the Jewish spirit.

For additional information, contact Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide.com, and New York Jewish Guide.com, Book a museum-guided tour by appointment. https://memorialscrollstrust.org/index.php/contacts or Tel. +44 20 3951 1564. To obtain a copy of “1564 Scrolls: A Legacy of Jewish Life in Bohemia and Moravia”: https://mstshop.org/products/1564-scrolls-a-legacy-of-jewish-life-in-bohemia-and-moravia