The Baka neighborhood in Jerusalem saw a unique Torah scroll dedication on Thursday night, July 18.
At most such events the Torah is held under a chuppah, a canopy similar to those used at Jewish weddings, and led by a truck with flashing lights and loud, festive music.
This Torah was initiated by the parents of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, as part of their “Week of Goodness” to bring global attention to the plight of the remaining 120 captives held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Hundreds of supporters followed Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin from the Baka Bnei Akiva Center to the Baka Community Center as they carried the newly-commissioned Torah under the chuppah. Proceeding behind, the crowd of all ages grew, some solemnly joining in on the slow Hebrew songs of the strolling musicians.
After the short distance, as per tradition, the procession and the crowd arrived to be greeted by three men holding the Torah scrolls from the prayer group that meets in the Baka Community Center.
During the emotional scene in the courtyard of the community center, Rachel Goldberg-Polin spoke briefly in English. The Torah was written to merit and honor Hersh and all the hostages. She explained it was here that the family joyously celebrated Simchat Torah on the Friday night of Oct. 6, 2023, with their community.
The reading of the Torah on Simchat Torah morning Oct. 7 was not to be.
On Thursday night, from the new Torah scroll, a portion from the Simchat Torah reading was finally recited. Hundreds stood silently, responding at appropriate times.
Goldberg-Polin said that the support of so many had been their source of strength during the ordeal of the past months nine months.
One young mother told JNS that she “pulled her children off their devices” and made them attend and stand there to support the hostage families.
There were events planned for Friday afternoon before Shabbat near the Prime Minister’s Residence in Jerusalem, before the Week of Goodness concludes on July 21.