1. Why was this campaign launched? We are in need of a new Torah. To date, we own seven Sifre Torah (Torah scrolls). Three have been recently inspected and repaired. A fourth was inspected and needs repairs that will cost $3000-$3500. Another one, which had been on loan to a congregation in Virginia, needs to be inspected and most likely repaired. Two are beyond repair and are no longer usable for the public reading of the Torah. (Beyond repair? Click here.)Sefer_Torah_Pasul.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0
2. How many Torahs does any one congregation need? Five to six Torahs, at a minimum. The wear-and-tear on the current three usable Sifre Torah are causing them to degrade faster than the norm. We will soon face costly repairs. By having more Torah scrolls and using them on a rotating basis, we will be able to defer these repairs. 3. How much does it cost to purchase a new Sefer Torah? The cost of a new Sefer Torah can exceed $70,000, depending on a whole host of factors. Ours will cost about $32,000. 5. The goal of our campaign is $280,000. Why are we aiming so high? The purchase of a new Sefer Torah is only one aspect of this campaign. While a portion of every donation will be used to purchase a new Sefer Torah, so that it will belong to each and every donor, we have identified other potential uses for the funds we will raise. a. Creation of a fund to maintain our precious Sifre Torah b. Refurbishing our Arks so that they will better protect the Sifre Torah from the elements, such as humidity c. Improvements to our sanctuary, which will include a better sound system, improved lighting, and retrofitting our bima to make it more accessible. d. Enhancements of our religious and educational programing, for youth as well as adults. 6. How was the decision made to set a goal of $280,000? Every Hebrew letter has a numerical value. Kaf, the eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet, has the value of 20; chet, the eighth letter, has the value of 8. Together they spell “Koach,” which means strength. The strength of our people, our ability to survive the vicissitudes of history, are due to our allegiance to the Torah and its values.
4. Would it not make more sense and be less expensive to repair the Torah scrolls we already own? Cheaper in the short run does not necessarily make sense in the long run. Please view a copy of one of our Torah scrolls to see what we mean.Sefer_Torah_Pasul.htmlshapeimage_6_link_0
Frequently Asked Questions About the M’kom Torah Campaign
7. How can I contribute to this important campaign? The Tikvat Israel website has a page dedicated to this Celebration of Torah. In the “How to Contribute” section, you will find a link that will enable you to download a pledge form. Click on the link, print the pdf file and send it to Tikvat Israel Congregation M’kom Torah Campaign 2200 Baltimore Road Rockville, Maryland 20851http://tikvatisrael.org/about/torahcelebration.htmlshapeimage_8_link_0
Read a Heartfelt Letter from a Generous Donor.Donor_Letter.htmlshapeimage_9_link_0
A Retired Torah Visits Africa.Torah_in_Africa.htmlshapeimage_10_link_0