Torah Scroll Welcomed to the Rebbe’s Home

In a joyous ceremony, a newly-written Torah scroll was dedicated and brought to its home: 1304 President Street, the home of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin, of righteous memory. 

The final letters of the Torah scroll were written by Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, the Rebbe’s secretary, Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Israel. Rabbi Mendel Chazanow, Shliach in Manalapan, New Jersey, was honored with hagbah — lifting the Torah, and Rabbi Mordy Gutnick was honored with gelilah — its wrapping. In a lively procession, the Torah scroll was carried from Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway to the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home, where it was inaugurated with dancing. “It was truly beautiful to see how many people reached out to participate in this special tribute to the Rebbetzin,” said Machne Israel Executive Director Rabbi Shmaya Krinsky.

The Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home at 1304 President was first used as a synagogue in 1988, following the Rebbetzin’s passing, as the Rebbe led services three times a day throughout the year of mourning for his beloved wife. 

It was during that mourning period that the Rebbe established Keren Hachomesh, the fund created in memory of the Rebbetzin and dedicated to benefiting Jewish women and girls. 

The Torah scroll — the first dedicated for the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s home — was commissioned by Machne Israel to benefit Keren Hachomesh, and thousands of partners around the world joined in making it a reality.