A new Torah a precious gift. This is the story of Beit Hamidrash in Woodland Hills. Fifteen years ago Abe Walg arrived from Holland. He started an importing business. He also founded Beit Hamidrash a small Orthodox synagogue. Initially only six people attended even on major holidays. The congregation met in his apartment. Years passed. Beit Hamidrash grew. It now boasts 60 members and a 200-student academy. This growth led to a momentous occasion. The acquisition of its first new Torah.
The arrival of this magnificent scroll was a celebration. It was a joyous event. The ceremony included Hebrew songs and dances. Fifty members circled the Torah. They kissed its ornate lettering seven times. The Torah a 3-foot-long scroll is exquisitely crafted. It has hand-carved wooden handles. A silver crown adorns it. Its navy blue velvet cover protects the sacred text. The cost of this Torah was $50000. It was made in Israel. A pickup truck carried a keyboard player who added to the procession’s festive atmosphere. The Torah’s journey was three blocks long. It went from the Fallbrook Avenue synagogue to the West Valley Hebrew Academy.
This event had special meaning for Abe Walg. He presented the Torah in honor of his recently deceased parents. He felt their joyful departure was reason to celebrate. The rabbis of Beit Hamidrash offered prayers. They honored Walg and his family. They reasserted the congregation’s bond with God. The ceremony resembled a wedding. It was a renewal of vows with God. At the ceremony’s conclusion members wrote the final lines of Deuteronomy. They fulfilled their commitment to participate in creating their own Torah. The story of Beit Hamidrash is one of growth perseverance and spiritual devotion. It showcases the dedication of its members and the enduring power of faith. It is a testament to the community’s unwavering commitment to their faith and traditions. The Beit Hamidrash stands as a beacon of Orthodox Judaism in Woodland Hills a vibrant hub of learning and spiritual growth.