In the Nash Didan community of Almaty — a Jewish Iranian community with deep roots stretching back to Persia — a moving celebration took place on the 18th of Elul: the dedication of the very first Torah scroll in the history of the community in the city, since their exile to Kazakhstan more than fifty years ago.

On this great day, Shli and Chief Rabbi of Kazakhstan, Rabbi Yeshaya Elazar Cohen, together with the other Shluchim and community representatives, ascended to the holy resting place of the Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe’s father. There, they held a writing of letters and extended an invitation to take part in the Torah scroll dedication.

In the courtyard of the Jewish Center, the writing of the final letters were written. The event deeply moved all the participants—families with their children, community members, and guests who were privileged to take part in the writing. The sofer, Rabbi David Yoel Winfeld from the Eretz Yisroel, arrived especially for this occasion. Everyone who came to write a letter was warmly greeted by him with a smile, a handshake, and a “mazal tov.” The children, the next generation, were honored with writing the final letters, thus completing the scroll.

When the Torah was lifted high, rolled, and dressed in its mantle, belt, and crown, tears swelled in the eyes of many participants. As the new scroll was carried into the “Levi Yitzchak” shul, the existing Torahs came forward to greet it. The sight of Torahs embracing the Torah filled the air with a sacred intensity — a living symbol of eternal truth and the unbroken existence of the Jewish people. For a community that had suffered so deeply in exile and hardship, now standing proud with their own Torah of truth, the moment carried immeasurable weight. It was not only a celebration but a proclamation of resilience and hope.

With fiery dancing, the crowd escorted the Torah scroll around the bimah eight times, with one of the hakafos dedicated to the children of “Tzivos Hashem.” The pesukim of “Atah Horeisa” rang out as voices joined in unity, echoing the pride of generations past and the promise of future continuity.

From the shul, participants proceeded to the banquet hall, where a festive mitzvah meal was held in the tradition of the Nash Didan community. The event opened with greetings from the initiator and driving force of the project, R. Ephraim Yitzchaki, who at that very moment was in New York, in 770, and ensured to relay a report of the occasion. In his words, he called for strengthening the bonds between community members and announced a special initiative to unify the community.

The evening was masterfully emceed by Mr. Zevulun Isak-Zade, a member of the community, who captured the hearts of the audience and set a tone of joy and inspiration. During the evening, a moving film was screened, produced by R. Avrahami Cohen, Chabad’s representative in Eretz Yisroel for Kazakhstan, telling the history of the Nash Didan community. The film greatly touched the participants and added a special dimension to the event.

The celebration continued late into the night, with the many children standing out—remaining awake, dancing, and rejoicing—creating the atmosphere of a true “family wedding.”

On the following Shabbos, a special spirit of elevation pervaded the shul. Many community members came to hear the very first Torah reading from the new Torah, and after davening, a special farbrengen was held, lasting almost until nightfall.

Thus, what began as a community once broken by exile now stands tall in Almaty, proudly embracing its own Torah — a living symbol of eternal truth, resilience, and the everlasting existence of the Jewish people.