The Jewish community of Abu Dhabi, local representatives, ambassadors, and guests from across Europe gathered last week to welcome the first Sefer Torah to have been written on Emirati soil.
By Anash.org reporter
The Jewish community of Abu Dhabi gathered with local representatives and ambassadors from several countries at the St Regis Saadiyat Island last week to welcome the first Sefer Torah to have been written on Emirati soil. Joining them were 50 guests who flew in for the occasion from Switzerland, Israel, UK and Belgium.
The new Torah was commissioned by Uri and Adina Krausz of Zurich, Switzerland for Chabad of the UAE just weeks after the historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates which inspired their donation.
To finance the new Torah, Adina Krausz used shadchanus gelt that she received from shidduchim she had made. To cover the remaining balance, she found that a business transaction of her company, InnoSource by Toledo Capital, left her with ma’aser funds in the exact amount that was needed, a realization which strengthened her commitment and resolve in this unique mitzvah.
Local Jews, Emiratis and guests celebrated the new Torah with a Shabbaton and Siyum event. Several day trips included visits to the Presidential Palace, Aquarium, Desert and Grand Mosque. A Melave Malka was held at the Armed Forces Officers Club, and a kumsitz enjoyed in the desert of Al Wathba.
At the siyum ceremony, the guests were addressed by local shliach Rabbi Levi Duchman and Rabbi Mendel Rosenfeld, shliach to Switzerland. Mrs. Adina Krausz shared her perspective on the experience and the Israeli Consul also shared a few words.
The new Torah will be kept at Chabad of the Emirates and used for different minyanim as needed throughout the region.
This Sefer Torah was commissioned after the Krausz’ had donated a Sefer Torah to Chabad of Iceland 2 years ago.
“It’s very special, as this Torah is the first one where the writing was started and completed in the UAE,” said Mrs. Krausz. “It was a great honor to have so many people fly in to celebrate the event with us.”
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