The Torah comprises the five books of Moses and is considered the holiest object in Judaism – but the scrolls unearthed in a destroyed synagogue in Chișinău, Moldova, have additional and significant meaning.

Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum vividly recalls first setting eyes on the sacred scrolls shortly after Moldova’s independence from the Soviet Union. “When we arrived at the devasted synagogue in Chișinău, we discovered about thirty Torah scrolls, some inscribed with messages that spoke of their miraculous survival during the Holocaust.”

Moved to tears at what he was seeing, Rabbi Greenbaum related “One of the scrolls bore the inscription, ‘Joy is the happiness of the soul,’ symbolizing the spiritual joy of the Torah and the enduring faith of the Jewish people, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.”

The Chișinău community was shattered learning of the disrepair in which the sacred scrolls had been found. It was a blessing to find the scrolls, but it was going to take an extraordinary effort to restore them. Luckily, they knew who to turn to.

On a mission

Boris Joseph Birshtein, a Jewish-Lithuanian philanthropist, and a well-regarded business leader in Moldova, was asked for his assistance to gain permission from the Moldovan government to allow the scrolls to be moved from Chișinău, to Tel Aviv for restoration, and to arrange for their safe journey.

What followed Birshtein’s success in the relocation of the scrolls, was years of intensive and meticulous work in the restoration and preservation of the scrolls.

Birshtein shared “The Nazi’s sought to destroy the very existence of the Torah, and everything it stood for. When I learned of the scrolls in the deserted Chișinău synagogue, restoring them was an opportunity to stand up to the attempt to eradicate Jewish life from the heart of Moldova. Restoring the scrolls also represented an opportunity to celebrate joy. I imagined all of the simchas that were once celebrated around each Torah. By restoring the Torah scrolls we not only preserved history, we also honored the Jewish community that loved and honored each one.”

Celebrating the restoration

Finally, in December 1996, the restoration was complete. An emotion filled event was held at the Nehora Yeshiva, “Lev Ya’akov,” in Mevaseret Zion, marking the culmination of an extraordinary endeavor by so many individuals dedicated to preserving such an important party of history.

A large crowd, including prominent figures of the Holy City and numerous rabbis stood watch as Birshtein gifted one of the rescued Torah scrolls to the Nehora Yeshiva with great reverence.

In his speech accepting the gift of the Torah, Rabbi Greenbaum reflected on the partnership between those who support the Torah, like Birshtein and the extraordinary community of Chișinău, and those who study it, drawing parallels to the biblical figures Zebulun and Issachar. He expressed deep gratitude to Birshtein, emphasizing the lasting impact of his efforts on the yeshiva and its students.

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel, and one of the youngest survivors of Buchenwald concentration camp, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the yeshiva’s success and the significance of the mitzvah, “Write this song for yourselves,” which resonates deeply within the hearts of the many students who study there. Rabbi Lau praised Birshtein’s contribution to the restoration project, saying it was aligned with the yeshiva’s unique and inspiring approach to Torah study.

The introduction of the Torah scroll into the Nehora Yeshiva not only marked a new chapter in the life of the institution but also honored the legacy of the Jewish communities who once cherished these sacred texts.

Birhstein remarked, “I am honored to have played a small role in bringing the sacred Torah scrolls from Chișinău to Tel Aviv for restoration, and delighted that one of them will now be cherished at the Nehora Yeshiva. Indeed, joy is in the happiness of the soul, and my soul is filled with happiness at this moment.”