19 historic Torah scrolls moved to genizah at Mount of Olives

• Published date: 02 June 2023
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The scrolls were damaged by years of use, with some of the scrolls dating as far back as 150 years. The scrolls are from Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary

When Torah scrolls and other sacred texts are damaged in a way that cannot be repaired, they must be placed in a "genizah" ("hidden place").

The ceremony was attended by the rabbi of the Jewish Quarter, Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl; Chief Rabbi David Lau; Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition Minister Meir Porush and Religious Services Minister Michael Malkieli. Naftali Kempe and the "Neranena" choir sang during the event.

The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, who recently passed away.

'These Torah scrolls represent all Jewish communities in Israel and beyond'

"We have the great privilege of bringing nineteen Torah scrolls to genizah and paying our respects," said the Rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Shmuel Rabinowitz.

"These Torah scrolls have been a faithful testimony to their use for decades, representing all Jewish communities in Israel and beyond, just as the Western Wall Plaza unites people from...