Fifty years ago, in December 1965, Temple Shalom became the first Reform Synagogue in North Dallas. In honor of this milestone, Generations of Temple families are coming together to write their own Torah. In addition, they will donate a Torah to a congregation in need.
“Our Congregation was blessed to have been given a Torah at our start from Shearith Israel, and we are so pleased to be able to reciprocate by passing a Torah forward on our Fiftieth Anniversary to Beit Or/Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation. We hope to begin a long friendship with our new extended family in Brisbane, and we look forward to sharing together many simchot,” explained Temple Shalom President Dennis Eichelbaum.
One year ago, the Torah Gift Committee was created to find the perfect recipient of this precious gift. Cantor Emeritus Don Croll and Jacque Comroe co-chaired the committee. Religious School students who registered for the “Where In The World” class taught by Jeff Kort undertook the task of researching Reform synagogues around the world that might meet all the required criteria. Two young girls, Victoria Ardelean and Claire Greenman, discovered The Brisbane Progressive Jewish Congregation in Brisbane, Australia. (When they were informed that they were the recipient of our scroll they changed their name to Congregation Beit Or: “House of Light.”) After months of e-mailing, skyping and much research, everyone on the committee was sure that they had found the perfect fit.
“This was truly a labor of love and our committee knew that the task was sacred. When we reviewed all the criteria that we had set:(a young congregation with a budding religious school, (that had no Torah) we knew we had found our “b’sheirt." “The committee which consisted of Paddy Epstein, Beth Lasher, Brenda Nibert, and Monica Sandler (with guidance from Dennis Eichelbaum and Jeff Kort) had the joy of creating a “Big D” experience our guests would never forget. Jacque and I are stilling rubbing our eyes in disbelief that our dreams and Beit Or’s dreams really did come true!” exclaimed Cantor Emeritus Don Croll.
Finally, on November 1, the dream became a reality. Temple Shalom congregants joined together to meet their new Australian sister congregants Cantor David Bentley and Co-founder Sally Castle. “We were so blessed to have Sally and Cantor David Bentley come to Dallas to cement relationships between our congregations. From first "hugs" (though, it was our first live meeting, we felt we were already beyond handshakes), we felt both the common bond of Judaism, but, the special friendships based specifically on "Our Torah". We thought we were providing them with a gift, but, it has truly been a gift to receive their attention, interest, and joy for developing a worldwide ongoing relationship. Discussions are already underway to visit our new friends in Brisbane next Spring! ” exclaimed Temple Shalom 50th Anniversary Co-Chair Jeff Kort.
The evening began with a lovely dessert reception followed by a Q & A session where Cantor Bentley and Sally Castle educated the Dallasites about Australia and the Brisbane Congregation. This small Congregation made up of only 90 congregants has had to drive 60 miles to borrow a Torah for High Holy Days or Ceremonial events. "Finally having our own Torah scroll will enhance our connection to the rest of the Jewish world, to the beliefs, values and traditions that it embodies, and especially our connection to our new friends and extended family in Dallas. We are excited that we will first read from the Dallas scroll on December 19th. The parshah starts with Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers - a reminder that all Jews are family. " said Bentley.
Finally, it was time for the event for which everyone had been waiting. Rabbi Andrew Paley and Cantor Devorah Avery led the congregants in prayers and song as the Torah was passed from Committee members to Cantor Bentley and Sally Castle- signifying it’s new home. Rabbi Paley’s final emotional blessing brought tears to many and joy to all: "This Torah, which has always been a treasure to the Jewish people, and this Torah, specifically which has been a treasure to Temple Shalom, is entrusted to you. In your strong embrace, held against your hearts, we know it will be safeguarded and treasured in its new home. We pray that you will go forth into the future with blessing and strength surrounded by this special gift. As you stand here today in joy and happiness, it is our hope that you will be surrounded by God's many gifts and blessings - of prosperity and happiness, courage and strength, from your new home in Dallas and at Temple Shalom, from this day and forever. Amen."