An historic tie was forged between Temple Beth El in Springfield, Mass., and the Hadassah Neurim Youth Aliyah Village on Israel’s northern coast on June 21 when 10 congregants presented a Torah to the Neurim village at a ceremony in the village’s newly renovated synagogue.
The Torah found its way to Israel at the initiative of Sue Polansky, a Hadassah National Assembly member and a resident of Longmeadow, a town neighboring Springfield. Learning that Neurim was looking for a Torah for its synagogue, Sue approached the Temple Beth El rabbi, Amy Wallk, about the possible donation.
“We did not think twice when we were asked to donate a Torah. We are thrilled to be able to share this holy object with the young residents of the village,” said Rabbi Wallk, a Hadassah member and committed Zionist.
More than 400 at-risk youth, many from Israel and others from the former Soviet Union, Ukraine and other countries find refuge and shelter at Neurim, known for its athletic and robotic competitions, as well as its dog-rescue program.
Read more about the Torah donation here.