3 hours ago

304,805 Children, One Sefer Torah: The Grand Siyum at the Kosel

Before tens of thousands at the Kosel, the historic completion and Hachnosas Sefer Torah of the Ninth Children’s Sefer Torah took place, uniting 304,805 Jewish children from around the world in the holy campaign initiated by the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach. The moving celebration was attended by leading Rabbanim, Shluchim, and thousands of participants who gathered for a night of Torah, song, and Hakafos • Full Story, Photo Gallery, Watch

A moving and uplifting celebration marked the completion and Hachnosas Sefer Torah of the Ninth Children’s Sefer Torah, following three years of registering children from across the globe for this unique Torah scroll.

The initiative, dedicated entirely to children, was launched by the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach in 5741 (1981) with the goal of uniting Jewish children and providing protection and blessing for the Jewish people.

The Sefer Torah was completed and brought in on Chof Menachem Av, the yahrtzeit of the holy Kabbalist Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach.

The final letters of the Sefer Torah, representing 304,805 children from around the world who were registered by thousands of the Rebbe’s Shluchim leading the campaign in their communities, were written by leading Torah and Chassidic personalities, including Rabbanim, Roshei Yeshivos, and respected community leaders. Many of them were deeply involved in the campaign to register children and played an important role in organizing the historic celebration.

Following the completion of the final words “L’einei Kol Yisroel” (“before the eyes of all Israel”), the reading from the new Sefer Torah, Hagbahah, Gelilah, and the placing of its magnificent crown, the grand procession departed from the Tzemach Tzedek Shul toward the Kosel HaMaaravi, accompanied by singing, dancing, drums, and celebration.

The procession arrived at the Kosel plaza, where a large and beautifully decorated stage had been prepared. The new Sefer Torah was brought with great honor to the center of the stage.

After an opening session of singing “Sisu V’Simchu B’Simchas Torah” and other joyful Niggunim, with the crowd dancing enthusiastically, a festive public Mincha was held. A tremendous crowd of Jews, with Hashem’s help, gathered from across the world.

Tens of thousands of Jews arrived through organized transportation, private vehicles, and public transportation from every direction, near and far, from all backgrounds and communities, recognizing the privilege and responsibility of taking part in this historic event despite the long journey and intense heat.

The first to carry the Ninth Children’s Sefer Torah during the celebration was Rabbi Shmuel Greisman, a member of the committee for writing the Children’s Torah, who has dedicated himself tirelessly to managing the campaign since the very first Sefer Torah. He was followed by honored guests on the stage, as the Sefer Torah was passed from one to another. The event was hosted by Rabbi Shneur Raskin, Shliach and director of Chabad of Alfei Menashe, who also played a major role in organizing and producing the celebration.

The heart of the celebration was the recitation of “Atah Horeisa” and the joyous Hakafos, as is customary at Simchas Torah. However, in accordance with the unique nature and purpose of this Children’s Sefer Torah, additional special elements were incorporated. Among the highlights was the Twelve Pesukim selected by the Rebbe and instructed for Jewish children to memorize by heart.

The completion and Hachnosas Sefer Torah of the Ninth Children’s Torah was a true celebration of dancing, singing, and joy, accompanied by singers Nemuel Harush and Simcha Friedman. Throughout the approximately three-hour event, only four short speeches were delivered by: the Rabbi of the Kosel and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz; the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef; former Chief Rabbi of Israel and Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar; and Rosh Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim and member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, Rabbi Reuven Elbaz.

Following the recitation of “Atah Horeisa,” the Hakafos themselves began. It was a continuous chain of pure, uplifting, and deeply moving celebration. At approximately 9:00 p.m., the official event concluded with the emotional singing of “Ani Maamin.”

The new Sefer Torah was then brought with great honor to the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, where it now joins the eight previous Children’s Sifrei Torah housed there.

Photos: Yossi Gerufi, Chaim Tuito, Mendy Tuito, Tzevaim Productions and Meir Alfasi