The Restoration of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies' Torah Scroll

In February, 2014 The UA's Arizona Center for Judaic Studies brought an expert to begin restoration on its 200-year-old Torah scroll.  A Torah is a parchment scroll containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Genesis-Deuteronomy, which are handwritten using a quill and specially prepared ink.  Our scroll, which was gifted to Judaic Studies by an anonymous donor, was acquired in 2009 by Professor Beth Alpert Nakhai. It is thought to be 200 years old, originally used by a Sephardic Jewish community in northern Europe, perhaps Amsterdam. It survived World War II, travelled to Israel then to Tucson, the first and only Torah owned by The University of Arizona.

For two years, the Center has had a traveling sofer---someone who goes around the world repairing Torah scrolls.  It will be completed and housed at the Center's offices

In 2014, Rabbi Yochanan Salazar came to the University of Arizona to begin work on the Torah.  The restoration process was witnessed by students, faculty, staff and community members. Rabbi Salazar spent the day working on the Torah at the UA Hillel Foundation (corner of Mountain Ave. and Second St.).  He periodically explained to those present his background, his craft and his tools. He also gave us all some valuable insight into the age and origins of this fascinating document.

Rabbi Druin came to The University of Arizona to continue the work on the scroll February 10 and 11, 2015.

 

The Torah in the News:

The following Links take you to articles and news pieces on the Torah and its restoration.

Arizona Daily Star - Rabbi to restore UA's 200-year-old Torah (Frontpage)

Arizona Public Media - University of Arizona's 200-Year-Old Torah Repaired

The Daily Wildcat - Hillel hosts Torah restoration (Frontpage)

Arizona Jewish Post - Scribe to restore US Judaic Studies Center's Torah scroll

UANews - Judaic Studies Torah Is Being Restored

Arizona Jewish Life - Torah Restoration at UofA

KVOA News 4 - UA Judaic Studies begin restoration of 200-year-old Torah

KJZZ Pheonix - US's 200-Year-Old Torah to be restored.

Arizona Jewish Post - In Focus 2.20.15

 

Read more about our Torah Scroll in UANews.

Watch a short clip of the Torah Restoration here. Be a witness.

The restoration of the Judaic Studies Torah was made possible through generous donations by the Thomas and Sara Borin Foundation and .