New Torah to be Dedicated In Memory Of Rabbi Yudi Dukes

The family of Rabbi Yudi Dukes invites the entire community to join the celebration of the completion of a Sefer Torah written in his memory.

Mrs. Sarah Dukes invites the entire Chabad community to participate in a siyum Sefer Torah completed in memory of Rabbi Yudi Dukes A”H.

Hachnosas Sefer Torah Sunday, the 11th of September, 2022 15th of Elul, 5782 Siyum Sefer Torah 1:00-2:00PM 46 Cedarhurst Ave, Cedarhurst NY

Followed by a procession to Chabad of Five Towns, 74 Maple Ave, Cedarhurst NY for Hakafos and dancing.

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With overwhelming emotion, I invite you to join us in the humbling experience of completing and welcoming a Torah scroll that has been written in memory of my dear husband Yudi, of blessed memory.

This tremendous tribute is equally awe-inspiring and heartbreaking for me. It is difficult to comprehend that we will be celebrating this holy event FOR Yudi instead of WITH Yudi, when Torah is what gave Yudi life. Yudi read it weekly. Learned it daily. Taught it naturally. Yudi loved Torah. He lived it.

Just as the Torah is eternal, Yudi’s essence and all that he inspired will forever continue. And having a Sefer Torah written in honor of Yudi is one of the greatest privileges and a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to Torah.

Bringing this Torah from an idea to actuality was made possible by my brother-in-law, Asher Dukes, who orchestrated the entire project. This everlasting gift is an immense honor to his brother and will serve as a comfort to Yudi’s family, friends, and especially to his children. Our children.

The first letters of this special Sefer Torah were written by a scribe at my son Baruch’s Bar-Mitzvah last year- a simcha that took place just a few weeks after Yudi passed away. Baruch helped write the very first letter, beis, and his siblings, family, and friends followed suit.

The completion of the Torah will be celebrated this Sunday, 15th of Elul, September 11th, and we will welcome it and rejoice as it fills this community- and the entire world- with its light and holiness.

I have so much gratitude to each one of you who contributed towards the writing and completion of this beautiful Sefer Torah for Yudi, and in participating, fulfilled the very special commandment of writing a Torah scroll. May G-d shower blessings upon you and your families ad bli dai!

There are still sponsorship opportunities available to help cover the costs of the event itself, and to adorn this special Sefer Torah with the ornaments of a crown and yad. If you would like to participate in any way, please email Asher at [email protected].

l am visualizing Yudi’s physical presence with us at this monumental simcha, dancing with this special Torah and his precious children wrapped tightly in his arms and a smile exuding joy so deep, all barriers break and G-dliness is seen and felt by all.

May we see this vision fulfilled with the coming of Moshiach, may it happen now!