Well-Used Kosel Torahs Retired in Age-Old Ceremony

In a historic ceremony, ancient, worn-out Torah scrolls from the Western Wall were brought to a special burial (genizah) ceremony on the Mount of Olives.

Eighteen Torah scrolls, some of which survived the Holocaust in Europe, were included in the “genizah” event. These scrolls, the oldest of which is 150 years old, were buried in a dignified manner according to the Jerusalem tradition, with the participation of many people.

Following the holiday of Shavuos, when many visit the Kosel daily to celebrate the receiving of the Torah and to commemorate the Beis Hamikdash, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation held a historic event for the first time at the Western Wall plaza. Ancient Torah scrolls that had become worn over the years were brought for burial (genizah). This was done following a comprehensive inspection process, carried out by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, of all Torah scrolls used by the public in various prayers and Bar Mitzvah celebrations at the Western Wall Plaza.

The event was dedicated in memory of the Rosh Yeshiva, the Ga’on Yerachmiel Gershon Edelstein zt”l.

The ancient Torah scrolls are from different periods of time with estimations of some being 150 years old. Some survived World War I and later the Holocaust. They originated in Poland, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, and more. The scrolls, which have served the millions of worshippers and visitors at the Western Wall Plaza every year for decades until they had become worn-out from use, were deemed irreparable and could not be returned for use.