Englewood–A Torah dedicated at East Hill Synagogue on Shabbos Parshat Vayakhel, March 14, will soon go to a new home at the Chabad Jewish Center of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Dr. Ronald and Diane Strobel, founders and members of East Hill, purchased the Torah to donate to the Center, and dedicated the cover in memory of their son Asher who passed away suddenly in Jackson Hole during a college break ski trip in 2011. The Strobels developed a close relationship with Rabbi Zalman Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the Chabad Jewish Center, which continues today.

“Rabbi Zalman heard what happened and gave us tremendous support during a terrible time,” Dr. Strobel recalled. “He is a wonderful person, an exemplar of Torah values. He’s putting together a small community of Jews and we thought donating a Torah, and dedicating the cover in Asher’s memory, would be a way to show our appreciation for what he has done for us.” Dr. Strobel said he wanted to dedicate and use the Torah in East Hill to bring the family together before shipping it to Wyoming. There will be an official dedication in Jackson Hole during the summer.

Jackson Hole is a world-class ski resort area and the gateway to Teton and Yellowstone Parks. Rabbi Zalman, as he is known, estimates that about 500 Jews live in Jackson Hole with 40,000 coming annually to visit. Now in its seventh year, the Chabad Jewish Center recently purchased property to build a mikvah and shul. They have been using a Sefer Torah on loan from the Young Israel of Queens.

Rabbi Zalman told JLNJ that when Asher passed away, “a dark cloud descended on Jackson Hole. It was a terrifying, sad, emotional experience; beyond traumatic for the whole family.” He added, “It’s been years now, and Dr. Strobel and I have become close friends. This brings some joy to the sadness.”

By Bracha Schwartz