Let me give you the lowdown:
So, Shlomo gives me this amazing opportunity to go where no one (that I know) has gone before: a Sefer Torah dedication. I am not sure if that is what it is called but it is when a scribe is almost done handwriting a Sefer Torah. There is a big party, like a wedding, where a few lucky men get to write a Hebrew letter on it to complete it. Once completed, a big deal ensues. For this dedication, most who attended are from the Bukhari Jewish community.
The Master of the House (usually called 'The Host' in simpler terms), dressed all in white, greeted us warmly into his home. The living room was cleared to hold a large, flat desk with the Sefer Torah laid flat upon it. Next to it stood its ornate case shaped like a pillar. The scribe sat behind the desk with a pot of ink & a quill pen. Men crowded into the room & the women stood in the dining area chatting away. Shlomo asked me to stick with the women, a cultural thing I suppose or else a good way to blend in.
A beautiful woman in a wheelchair kindly offered me a cup of tea & a seat next to her. Two of her teenage daughters stood still next to her (something rare in the States, California at least). The dining area was full of tables carrying platters of lox, fruits, vegetables, nuts, cakes & drinks, but no one ate...not yet.
Soon the house filled up with men, women & children. Dozens of conversations where happening all at once. One of the honored guests was the wife of Knesset member, Avigdor Lieberman. She recognized Shlomo & were instantly conversating. I picked up some words here & there but at that point, I really wished I knew Hebrew. Shlomo introduced me to her, she knew some English. Shlomo explained to me that he was trying to convince her to come to Germany (I'll explain later) & California! I told her sincerely that she would be most, most welcome.
As I stood trying not to get in anyone's way, I felt like I was at sea, get pushed to & fro to different parts of the rooms. A trio of musicians arrived and began to play the accordion, the Bukharan doira & a drum. The rhythm was contagious! The mood was happy & festive.
At this point, men were lining up for their turn to write a Hebrew letter on the brand new Sefer Torah. Shlomo signaled to me to get closer to take his photo while he wrote. The joy in the house was palpable when it was finally completed. Shlomo told me that it takes about a year for a scribe to complete it & it is indeed expensive.
The music died down & the men near the desk unsuccessfully tried to shush everybody else while they said a kiddush. When this was done, the brand, spankin' new Sefer Torah was carefully & lovingly placed inside it case & slowly carried outside. People touched & kissed it as it went by. The platters in the dining area were soon wiped clean.
It was dark outside. A bitter, cold wind was blowing unmercifully. It was the type that goes right through to your bones. Security in bright yellow vests directed traffic as the crowd spilled onto the street. An obnoxious van with a blinking light show waited outside with a white canopy attached to its back. It was to lead the joyful parade to the feast waiting at another location. Happy Jewish music blared from the van as people followed, dancing & clapping. Men struggled politely for their chance to carry the Sefer Torah. Normally, people would follow the van the entire way but because of the cold, many decided to follow in their cars.
The reception hall was filled with square tables already laden with hot food & cold drinks. Loud, spiritual music played while people filed in. The men sat on the tables on the left & women occupied the right side. I was starting to look for the middle rope as in Fiddler on the Roof but alas, there was none.
I was led to a table where the host's wife sat with Mrs. Lieberman & other young, gorgeous women. I felt very honored to sit next to them, though I did not understand their conversations. I had to content myself with just listening & watching.
Before the main course was served, there was a large commotion at the entrance to the hall. I saw men & children run towards the doors. The Sefer Torah's case glinted in the colored lights. The music played even louder as people walked down the middle aisle, kissing it, touching it & dancing. It was such a beautiful sight! There was dancing on the dance floor while the Sefer Torah floated in the middle. Men did their absolute best to get a turn to carry it or take a photo with it.
Delicious food was carried in platters. Fish, beef, chicken, rice, veggies, bread, hummus, you name it! Many speeches were made from the main table. Shlomo told me that some of those who sat there were well-known Rabbis. He came over to 'my side' several times to make sure I was okay. He was sweet.
When we were preparing to leave, Shlomo was called to sit at the main table. I was sure glad I brought my camera! Around 11 pm, we said our thanks & goodbyes to the host & left. And that was it. Back to normal life.
What an experience to witness first hand the trouble & great lengths the Jewish people go through to produce another copy of the Torah. It is the precious, God-given words that have kept the Jews alive & together through hundreds & hundreds of years! Not only the Jews, but for us Gentile believers as well.
Thank you Jews! Keep being awesome!
K
