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Holy Rollers!

Sunday, March 15, 2026 • 26 Adar 5786

11:30 AM - 1:00 PMSchaffer Auditorium

Register

Dear Friends,

The Torah scrolls are far more than words on parchment. In our Jewish understanding of sanctity, they are a living force among us—etz chayim hi lamachazikim bah, a tree of life to those who hold it fast. Torah is not only something we study or hear read aloud; it is something we are entrusted to care for, protect, and keep alive for future generations.

To honor that responsibility, we periodically allow the Torah to "breathe"—quite literally. A scroll that remains tightly rolled for too long can place pressure on its letters and parchment. Just as a living being needs movement and care, so too does Torah. From time to time, we gently unroll the scrolls (hagbahah and gelilah in reverse), ease that pressure, dust the otiyot (letters), and carefully examine the writing to see where letters may have faded or require chazarah (restoration).

On March 15, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, we will gather to unroll and examine our Torah scrolls together. This sacred work is both practical and deeply spiritual—a hands-on expression of our love for Torah and our commitment to preserving it with dignity.

Following this examination, we will know which scrolls require repair by a sofer, work that is essential and costly. The delicate restoration of even a single letter—ensuring our Torah remains kosher, readable, and fit for use—can cost hundreds of dollars. A scroll requiring more extensive repair may need thousands. This is why we need your help.

We are launching a Torah Maintenance Fund to support the ongoing care and repair of our sacred scrolls. Your tax-deductible donation—whether $18, $180, or $1,800—will directly support this holy work. Every contribution, at any level, ensures that our Torah remains a living presence in our community, l'dor vador, from generation to generation.
Ways to give:
  • Online: cgoh.org/forms/holyrollers2026
  • By check: Made out to CGOH with "Torah Maintenance" in the memo line
  • In person: Now through March 15
In addition, we have asked our upcoming B'nei Mitzvah families to serve as Torah Scroll Captains during this process. Families who volunteer will be assigned a specific scroll, learn about its unique history and condition, help roll it out and gently dust the otiyot, note areas of concern for the sofer, and encourage other congregants to participate in this mitzvah. This is a powerful opportunity, especially for B'nei Mitzvah families, to model reverence and responsibility for Torah at a formative moment in Jewish life.

Whether you are able to attend on March 15th, volunteer as a Torah Scroll Captain, or make a financial contribution to the Torah Maintenance Fund, your participation matters. Together, we ensure that our Torah does not remain stagnant, but continues to live, breathe, and speak God's voice in our community.

Please respond by [date] to let us know:
  • If you are interested in volunteering as a Torah Scroll Captain (B'nei Mitzvah families especially encouraged)
  • If you would like to make a donation toward Torah care and repair
Thank you for helping us hold fast to our tree of life and fulfill the mitzvah of tikun sifrei Torah—maintaining the holiness of our sacred scrolls.

B'vracha v'todah rabah,
Rabbi Matt Cutler, Arnie Rotenberg, Josh Cooper-Ginsburg
Elizabeth Desbiens, President
Andrea Berkowitz-Cerasano, Ritual Vice President
Our goal is $18,000 to support the continuous maintenance of our Torah scrolls. Please help us provide this needed care for years to come with your contribution today. Thank you for your support!
Enter the number of people in your family who will join us as we unroll and examine our Torah scrolls. We look forward to having you join us!
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Fri, March 13 2026 24 Adar 5786