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This is a detail of the Torah that the Congregation Or Chadash (OR CHADASH) had restored. Rabbi Thomas Louchheim had the century-old Torah repaired because traditionally, if the lettering on the Torah becomes cracked, worn or faded, or there is too much discoloration in the parchment, it should be restored, he said. The newly repaired Torah is to be rededicated on Friday as part of the congregation's Hanukkah celebration. The century-old scroll was sent to a rabbi in New York two months ago for restoration. It was originally brought to the United States from Russia in the early 1900s by the great grandfather of Marcia Louchhmein, the rabbi's wife. The return of the scroll is expected to be the highlight of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration. The Torah, which contains the law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures, is hand inked in Hebrew, it is around 100 feet long, and weighs 40 pounds. The photo was taken on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by A.E. Araiza/ Arizona Daily Star
Grab some grub and settle in to study with Congregation Or Chadash's Rabbi Thomas Louchheim for "Lunch With the Rabbi," noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12.ย
Louchheim and fellow lunchers will study "Ancient Wisdom to Modern Reform Practice" at the congregation at 3939 N. Alvernon Way, according to press materials.
For more information, visitย orchadash-tucson.orgย or call 512-8500.ย
Contact reporter Johanna Willett at jwillett@tucson.com or 573-4357. On Twitter: @JohannaWillett
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