Despite the steady snowfall outside, it was a festive day at Congregation Ohav Emeth in Highland Park on February 13 as the shul held activities to celebrate the arrival of a new sefer Torah. Donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Blonder in honor of their esteemed fellow members of Ohav Emeth who are survivors of the Holocaust, the new sefer Torah was complemented by a Kesser Torah (Torah Crown) donated by dozens of shul members. The festivities included an open time where individual shul members could write letters in the new sefer Torah (with help from the sofer), a celebration and parade with the new Torah, and a buffet brunch.

Rabbi Eliyahu Kaufman, rav of Congregation Ohav Emeth, told The Jewish Link: “The Blonders have been active members of our shul for decades and, for many years, they wanted to dedicate this sefer Torah as an expression of their devotion to the shul. Despite all he endured in his life, experiencing the worst of the death camps, Mr. and Mrs. Blonder committed themselves to bringing light and life to this world.

“The last mitzvah of the Torah is to write a sefer Torah. Chazal teach that even if you own a Torah that you received from your parents, you must help write a new one. Even at their advanced age, Mr. and Mrs. Blonder embraced this opportunity to complete this mitzvah, which reflects their values and their dedication. We are very, very grateful for their generosity and their desire to bring holiness to the shul and the community they love.”