[Sefer-torah-network-news] The Sefer Torah Network Newsletter, Vol. 1, Number 21

Moshe Burt mosheb at sefer-torah.com
Sun May 16 14:58:40 EDT 2004


                              Sefer Torah Network News
                           Volume 1, Number 21

                                                              16 May, 2004
Shalom Friends;

Welcome to the 21th edition of the Sefer Torah Network News list..

A lot has happened this past month since the Hachnasat Sefer Torah 
party celebrating placement in the Givat Nof Harim hilltop community 
of Yishuv Eli which took place on the 24th of March, 2004.  Please 
view the<http://www.sefer-torah.com/givatnofharim.html> website and 
read this newletter for coverage of the event.  Some of the pictures 
of the event have been placed on the website.  A full layout of 
pictures will be viewable from the website soon.

The Sefer Torah Recyclng Network expresses it's great appreciation to 
the Goldstein family for their kindness in providing a Sefer Torah 
for a needy location in EretzYisrael.

The Sefer Torah Recycling Network continues to be active on various 
fronts having received several very positive responses in the period 
following the Hachnast Sefer Torah Party to the publicity regarding 
the event in Yishuv Eli.   Offers of Sifrei Torah have been made 
which are being followed up upon and Sifrei Torah are being checked 
for feasibility of restoration. 

In addition, recent publicity surrounding Israeli Government 
pronouncements and a referendum concerning possible dismantlements 
and relinquishments of Gaza and certain Yishuvim inYehuda & Shomron 
make a compelling case for full-court pressing for expeditious 
donations of both Sifrei Torah and funding for restorations of Torahs 
for the needy, endangered locations.  A Sefer Torah has been donated 
by a resident of Har Nof and is currently undergoing repairs prior to 
placement in Yishuv Shi-rat HaYam in Gush Katif.  During Chol HaMo'ed 
and again on Yom Hatsma'ot, I travelled on a Tiyul to Gaza and talked 
residents while there.  it was through these conversations that I was 
able to ascertain that Yishuv Shi-rat HaYam was in need of a Sefer 
Torah. Read more on this in a special article in this newsletter.

Raising the necessary funds for two restorations of Sifrei Torah for 
Homesh and the kehilla on Bat Ayin is presently THE central focus of 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>The Sefer Torah Recycling Network.  So 
far, the project has thankfully received donations from many sponsors 
but is still far short of the funds necessary to defray these 
restoration costs. (approximately $ 7,500 still needs to be raised 
for the restorations of both Sifrei Torah.)

Toward the bottom of this newsletter, please read the brief 
descriptions of many more such locations throughout Israel currently 
either without their own Sifrei Torah or lacking sufficient number of 
Sifrei Torah.  This same information is available by clicking on 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/storah.html>"About The Sefer Torah 
Recycling Network"  page of the website which will provide a history 
of the project as well as details on the various needy organizations.

It is vital that The Sefer Torah Recycling Network  receive 
seed-funding as well as ongoing cash donations and a constant influx 
of Sifrei Torah.  For this reason,  we seek philanthropists, 
philanthropic "Angels" who recognize the need for an ongoing clearing 
house where Sifrei Torah can be donated or acquired, restorations 
completed and placements of Sifrei Torah made in needy locations 
throughout EretzYisrael.

In this way, The Sefer Torah project  will become an active, ongoing, 
serious organization which solicits and receives donations of Sifrei 
Torah, or acquires S'forim for cash for placement in needy locations 
throughout Israel.  In the process, such donations will avail ongoing 
employment to needy Sofrim to repair and restore posul Sifrei Torah 
for placement in the growing number of needy locations in Israel 
which request help in acquiring a Sefer Torah.  I hold that donating 
a Sefer Torah, or donating the funds necessary in order for The Sefer 
Torah Recycling Network to become an ongoing, serious organization 
which places Sifrei Torah in many of the hundreds of needy locations 
throughout EretzYisrael is to tangibly act to possess EretzYisrael as 
your own.

There are other noteworthy developments to report in The Sefer Torah 
Network News list  beyond the pre-Pesach Hachnasat Sefer Torah Party 
and the news of a Sefer Torah for Gush Katif.

Please note that the site has undergone some subtle alterations 
designed to make the message to the viewer more focused and directed. 
Both the 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/home>ArtScroll.com 
and the <http://www.cdtorah.com/index.jsp?ref=32&a=0>CDTorah.com 
sites, with their special directed links, are now placed in a more 
prominent position on the front page and on other pages on the site. 
An automatic, one-button method of subscription to this newsletter 
has been added.

These special directed links, both on the site and in this 
newsletter, enable you to help The Sefer Torah Recycling Network to 
raise funds while purchasing 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/home>S'forim, 
<http://www.cdtorah.com/index.jsp?ref=32&a=0>CDs and keeping up with 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/ASIN/TAL>The Daf 
Yomi. 

The Sefer Torah Recycling Network has entered into affilation with 
CDTorah.com which markets hundreds of Torah lectures and shiurim on 
standard audio CDs.  Now you can help The Sefer Torah Recycling 
Network with a click-thru from this newsletter, or from 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>The Sefer Torah Recycling Network website 
to the <http://www.cdtorah.com/index.jsp?ref=32&a=0>CDTorah.com site 
and order audio CD's of shiurim given by notables such as Rabbi 
Yitzchok Berkowitz, Rabbi Akiva Tatz, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi 
Noach Isaac Oelbaum Rabbi Herschel Schachter, Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz 
and more.

The Sefer Torah Recycling Network is still offering a number of 
frameable Sefer Torah posters to all who donate $180 or more to the 
project. 

These Sefer Torah posters provide donors with incentive and yet 
another opportunity  to impact on the heavenly scales by making needy 
locations Mokomot Torah and promoting Torah study.  We are asking 
people to help us raise the necessary funds for the restoration of 
two Sifrei Torah slated for placement in needy locations here in 
Israel.

A Sefer Torah poster makes a beautiful livingroom centerpiece 
picture. The Sefer Torah poster has a brown Mantel on either side and 
the 247 Amudim on a blue background. 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/torah1.htm>Click here to view a partial 
scan of the poster.

While they last, those donating $180 or more will receive a full 
Sefer Torah poster including all 247 Amudim.  Supply of these posters 
is limited so, please make your donation NOW!!

Those wishing to subscribe after reading this edition of the 
newsletter may do so either by clicking on the 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>website and placing their email address 
on the email address line and clicking the submit button or by 
following the subscription instructions at the end of this post.

I ask all of you to please help publicize The Sefer Torah Recycling 
Network with your friends, associates, by posting a copy on the 
bulletin board of your Shul, etc. thereby opening up further 
possibility of donations of Sifrei Torah and/or funds. I am asking 
that subscribers pass this edition of the Sefer Torah Network News 
list  to their friends and relatives via email with an invitation to 
subscribe themselves.  (subscription instructions are below.)   
Please note that the embedded links may not show up as such on the 
forwarded copy.  However, the URLs will show up next to the words of 
the links.   Additional newsletter subscribers = more traffic to the 
site = more financial donations, that potential Philanthropic "Angel" 
and potential Sefer Torah donors.

Hopefully, with your help and IY'H additional publicity, the 
exposure, subscribership and Donations of funds and Sifrei Torah will 
grow in the weeks and months to come as a result of both initial and 
ongoing efforts.

Chag Kosher V'Same'ach to all and continued wishes for enjoyable 
reading of the Sefer Torah Network News list.

Best Regards,
Moshe Burt
Founder and Director

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Items of Note in this Edition of theSefer Torah Network News .

- D'var Torah: Shemittah and Gush Katif
-The Failing of a Referendum and the Coming Together of Jews.
-Shabbos in the Givat Nof Harim Community of Yishuv Eli
-Spotlight on three locations slated to receive Sifrei Torah
-Hachnasat Sefer Torah Givat Nof Harim: For Some Mitzvot, It Takes a Kahal .
-Inspiring Sefer Torah Stories from Around the World
-Locations in need of their own Sifrei Torah
-Up Close and Personal ;  Kehilla Beis Tefillah, Ramat Beit Shemesh

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Please visit the 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/home>ArtScroll.com 
Website and help support The Sefer Torah Recycling Network.   A 
portion of all purchases from the ArtScroll.com website will support 
the project's mission - only when you click on this 
link:<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/home> 
ArtScroll.com.

Sefer Torah Network News selections for this 
newsletter; <http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/ASIN/TAL> 
The Schottenstein Edition 
Talmud,<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/ASIN/KPAH>  
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/ASIN/KAHS>The 
Aryeh Kaplan Anthology Set / 2 Volume Slipcased Set, By Rabbi Aryeh 
Kaplan  and 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/ASIN/WAVL>Rabbi 
Berel Wein's Pirkei Avos: Teachings for Our Times.

Please note that you can now place a 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/ASIN/DYT>Standing 
Order of the Daf Yomi Size Schottenstein Edition of the Talmud and 
receive every volume of the Daf Yomi Size Schottenstein Talmud as 
they are Published and help support <http://www.sefer-torah.com>The 
Sefer Torah Recycling Network at the same time.


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                      Tehillim for Recovery from Illness

Please see that tehillim is said for the following individuals;

Tinok ben Nechama, a baby (who hasn't been able to have a bris yet) 
and who has a tumor on his liver.

Moshe Shlomo ben Michal;

Moshe Shlomo is 1 1/2 years old.   There were complications at birth 
which have resulted in slowness in coordination and motor development.

Aliza Channa Devorah bat Malka;

Aliza is 12 years of age.  I'm happy to report that she has completed 
her Chemo-therapy treatments for cancer in Hadassah Childrens 
hospital and has resumed attending school part-time.  She still must 
be watched carefully and has weekly check-ups at Hadassah Hospital. 
She had complained of pain in her right shoulder.  Doctors found a 
tumor and she was diagnosed a few months ago.  Please pray hard for 
her refuah shleimah.  This request came to me from her grandparents 
who live in the U.S.

Menucha Mendel Yehudit Rut bat Chaya Zelda;

A widow from London who became ill during a visit to EretzYisrael and 
who is currently recovering from her illness in London.  Please pray 
hard for her refuah shleimah.

And please Daven for Good Health for Yehonatan ben Malka (Jonathan 
Pollard) and for his speedy release from American incarceration and 
his return to his beloved homeland, Eretz Yisrael.

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            Sponsorship Donation Program   
  Lifting Neshamot through Donations of Funds/Sifrei Torah

<http://www.sefer-torah.com>Flash:  
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/torah1.htm>Special Incentive gift for 
those Sponsors donating $180 or More*  

Why not donate a paragraph, or a section or the reading from your Bar 
Mitzvah, marriage, or some other family event. 

Principals and Administrators of Religious Day Schools, Talmudei 
Torah and Yeshiva High Schools; The 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/sponsorship.htm>Sponsorship Donation 
Program to help restore Sifrei Torah for placement in needy locations 
in Israel makes an excellent Chinuch and Tzedakah project for your 
students and their families. Friends, please recommend it to 
principals and adminstrators for inclusion in their educational 
programs.

Please send me an email stating your level of sponsorship, and what 
you seek to sponsor.  More information is also available on our 
website.  Making a donation, whether a financial donation made 
through the<http://www.sefer-torah.com/sponsorship.htm>Sponsorship 
Donation program, or via the donation of a Sefer Torah, can cause the 
elevation in Shemayim of the Neshama of the niftar loved one or close 
friend. 

Please keep this thought in mind as you consider a donation to The 
Sefer Torah project .

Sponsorship Donors can make an Online donation via paypal.  Simply 
copy the email address; <mosheb at sefer-torah.com>, then click on the 
<https://www.paypal.com>paypal link,  and paste the copied email 
address onto the "Recipient's email" field.

All donors participating in the Sponsorship donation program will 
receive an attractive, frameable commemorative certificate in 
recognition of their kind donation.

*The Sefer Torah Recycling Network has gained access to a limited 
number of Sefer Torah posters. Those donating $180 or more will be 
sent one of these posters which is frameable.  It makes a beautiful 
livingroom centerpiece picture. The Sefer Torah pictured has a brown 
Mantel on either side and the 247 Amudim on a blue background. 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/torah1.htm>Click here to view a partial 
scan of the poster.

While they last, those donating $180 or more will receive a full 
Sefer Torah poster including all 247 Amudim.

****************************************************************************************************
Check out the Updated Sefer Torah Recycling Network website and see 
all of the new bells, whistles and features which provide you with 
all necessary information about the project from lists of needy 
locations to<http://www.sefer-torah.com/approbations.htm> Rabbinic 
Approbations.

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                                      Divrei Torah

                        
<http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com/article.php3?id=3669> Shemittah 
and Gush Katif
                            
                                    By Moshe Burt

*****************************************************************************************************

<http://www.sefer-torah.com/ki-sisa.htm>    
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/hachnasat.html>Hachnasat Sefer Torah -- 
Givat Nof Harim:
      For Some Mitzvot, It Takes a Kahal.
             By Moshe Burt

    <http://www.sefer-torah.com/givatnofharim.html>Shabbos in the 
Givat Nof Harim Community of Yishuv Eli

            When the page appears, arrow down to "Shabbat in Givat Nof Harim."

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          The Failing of a Referendum and the Coming Together of Jews
                                     by,  Moshe Burt

May 2, my birthday and Israel had a very big day.  The Likud 
referendum re: "evacuation" and abandonment of Gaza and 4 places in 
the Shomron was defeated handily.  I had an inkling that this was 
going to be an extraordinary day as early as the Erev Shabbos before 
the vote.  On that Friday afternoon, the phone rang at the home of 
one of Shul's Gabbaiyim.  Someone from Rabbi Porush's office was 
calling to be sure that the Religious community got to the polling 
place and voted against the referendum.  And Motzei Shabbos, Rav 
Ovadia Yosef called for everyone to vote against.  It seemed that 
everyone I met and spoke to were coming together as one to see that 
the referendum vote would fail to carry.  I find it fascinating that 
when Jews come together, wonders occur.

Sharon and his supporters tried to spin faults in the vote because 
only 51% of Likud members actually voted.  And now Sharon, Lapid, 
Olmert are developing alternative disengagement ideas, "disengagement 
lite" and that noted Torah Authority, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz 
insists that Gaza is not part of our historical land. 

The question seems, what held the voter turnout down? It was a 
beautiful, warm day yesterday.  So what held the vote down??  I 
believe that the bulk of the nearly 49% Likud members who didn't vote 
were totally confounded and didn't know what to do.  Perhaps, on the 
one hand, they couldn't bear to expell both 8,000 Jewish men, women 
and children from their homes in Gaza as well as to expell people 
from their homes in 4 locations in the Shomron and to relinquish 
parts of Eretz Yisrael.   And on the other hand, they were confronted 
by a Prime Minister who, for over two decades previously, encouraged 
living in all parts of Gaza, Yehuda and Shomron and who now suddenly 
reversed himself and said in essence "vote for evacuation because I 
said so and I'm Arik Sharon" and yet he couldn't put up an 
understandable, cogent, consistent argument that people would buy or 
swallow.   And so many were confounded.   What's more, there have 
been people in the know at Manhigut Yehudit who say that while the 
victory margin was some 20%, it should have been closer to 50%. 
Apparently, the Likud Ole' Boys may have pulled an assortment of 
dirty tricks to keep the margin down.  I know myself that a number of 
Likud members who were falsely invalidated for this vote.  But yet, 
theYad Hashem prevailed.

But enough commentary;  there is a way for non-Likud members and 
those living in Chutz L'Aretz to make known their feelings about, 
love and attachment for and unity with EretzYisrael.

On the Thursday prior to the referendum vote, I came into possession 
of a Sefer Torah, Sfardi Ksav from an elderly gentleman from Har Nof. 
On Sunday evening, I got the high sign from my Sofer as to 
repairability and I gave him the "go" sign to commence the 
restoration work on the Sefer.

Prior to his making Aliyah 10 years ago, this gentleman went to the 
Shuls in Borough Park soliciting Sifrei Torah (wish that I had known 
him 10 years ago).  He acquired donations of 7 S'forim, of which I 
got the last one.   Unfortuately, the donor, owing to his method of 
acquisition of this and the other S'forim, knows nothing of the 
previous history of the Sefer.  At this point, I want to express a 
great HaKaras HaTov to Hillel Fendel of Arutz-7 who made this 
referral.  Hillel, the merit of the Mitzvah done here is immense. 
Tizku L'Mitzvot.

The Sofer's estimated completion time is 3 - 5 weeks from today.  He 
has indicated possible completion by as early as right before 
Shavous.  I've told him please to not pressure himself in trying to 
complete a 3 week timetable.   But as you can see, time is short and 
of the essence.  I need your help in raising $3,000 to cover the 
costs of the Sofer's restoration.

The Sefer Torah, when completed, will be placed IY'H inYishuv Shuirat 
HaYam in Gush Katif.  As facilitator of it's placement, I hope to 
honor our 8,000 Jewish brothers and sisters living in Gush Katif who 
daily brave attacks, mortar shells, Kassam rockets, etc.

Just a bit about Yishuv Shuirat HaYam, It is a Community of 
Ashkanazim/S'fardim by the sea with15 families, approx. 100 people. 
The men are Talmidei Chachamim, although there is no Rav there.  They 
Daven in a large Caravan (2 Caravanim).    I hope to go there for a 
Shabbos within the next couple of weeks and to learn more about the 
place and it's signifigance.

I want to add here I am also still working to raise the remaining 
funds to restore a Sefer Torah to be placed in Yishuv Homesh.   As 
you probably know, Homesh is one of the 4 Yishuvim in the Shomron 
publically identified as being part of the same matzav as Gush Katif 
via the now-defeated referendum.   And 5 years ago, while living and 
during Ulpan in Yishuv Shavei Shomron, the Rav of Shavei Shomron, 
upon hearing of my project, asked me to try to acquire a Sefer Torah 
for Homesh where he was then acting in a Rav capacity answering 
Sha'ilot for Homesh residents.  Completion of restoration and 
placement of this Sefer in Homesh represents fulfillment of this 5 
year old promise.

In August, 2003, a young man and his wife who lived in Homesh were 
attacked on the road as they were returning to their home Erev 
Shabbos.  The young man, Shuli Har Melech, Z""l was killed and his 
wife seriously wounded in the attack.   Shuli was helping to 
establish a Shul and Yeshiva there and recruiting religious people to 
come to Homesh to live at the time of his murder by Arab terrorists 
I recently spoke with an individual who told me that the Yeshiva 
established in Homesh is part of or affiliated with the Yeshiva in 
Elon Moreh .

Although not a Rav, Shuli, it is said was a big Talmid Chacham and 
people came to him with Sha'ilot.   The young couple had moved to 
Homesh a couple of years previously.  (Please note that the timelines 
regarding the family moving to Homesh may not be totally accurate. 
Further, from reading the article and later speaking with the family, 
I gathered that there were numerous inaccuracies in the article.  But 
from the info, as I've provided it, you can understand the story.)

Subsequent to the attack, people from  theYeshiva in Elon Moreh have 
established a Yeshiva in Homesh in Shuli's memory and they need a 
Sefer Torah.

I need approximately $5,000 to cover the cost of this Sofer Torah and 
the cost of a new mantle (or Perochet)  in order to complete and 
place it in Homesh.  The Sefer itself comes from Baltimore.  The 
donors were neighbors of very dear friends of mine in the Park 
Heights neighborhood.  Actually, this Sefer is the second of two 
s'forim which they donated to me.  The first resides in Kiryat Arba, 
in Rav Chaim Simon's Kehilla which davens in a room in Rav Lior's 
Yeshiva.   This Sefer resided in Washington, DC, Silverspring and 
Rockville before the family brought it to Park Heights where it 
resided from 1996 until 2001 on Baywood Rd. in Park Heights before 
being delivered to Israel by the son of a friend of mine.

I have raised funds toward the repairs but need to raise the 
remaining $5,000 to complete the work and place the Sefer in the 
Yeshiva in Yishuv Homesh.

For anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation, please view 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>The Sefer Torah Recycling Network website 
for instructions regarding  tax deductible donations in the US and 
Canada.

I thank you for your kind consideration.    Please remember, one 
person alone cannot bring an endeavour such as this off.  One person 
can dream, plan and present an idea.  It takes a Kahal, it takes a 
unified B'nai Yisrael to bring it off.

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Another Innovation from  The Sefer Torah  Recycling .Network;
                  <http://www.sefer-torah.com/SimchaVort.htm>SimchaVort

Do you need help in developing a word of Torah for your Simcha?

If so, SimchaVort can help.  Kindly send an email to 
<mosheb at sefer-torah.com> telling me what the Simcha is, who it's for 
and what Parsha it's in.  In exchange for  your kind donation to The 
Sefer Torah Recycling Network, I'll be glad to help with ideas.  For 
an example, please click on SimchaVort. .

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Spotlight on two locations slated to receive Sifrei Torah (with your help! ) ;

Homesh, in the Shomron (Sameria) region of Eretz Yisrael amd is 
located amongst a group of communities including Kedumim, Elon Moreh, 
Shavei Shomron, Einav, etc. which are in close proximity to the Arab 
cities of Shechem, Kalkilya, etc.  The Yishuv has many Russian olim 
who have become Ba'al Teshuva in addition to many Dati families who 
have moved there in recent years from other locations.  Upon 
completion of the restoration of  a Sefer Torah donated by a family 
in Baltimore, its placement in Homesh will be fulfillment of a nearly 
5 year old promise to Rabbi Yehoshua Schmidt.  I met Rav Schmidt, the 
Rav of both Yishuv Shavei Shomron and Yishuv Homesh, while living and 
doing Ulpan on Shavei Shomron.

The second Sefer Torah, once funds are raised and the restoration 
work is completed, will be placed in a Kehilla of Yishuv Bat Ayin 
which is located in Gush Etzion.  It will be the recipient of a Sefer 
Torah donated by a student of  the School of Safrus located there.

Just a few words on Bat Ayin.  I visited there recently for the first 
time in many years.  The Yishuv has grown 10-fold in the 9 years 
since The Sefer Torah Recycling Network placed it's first Sefer Torah 
there in 1995.  It was more beautiful then I remember it.  Hopefully, 
I will go there for Shabbos in the near future and will have more to 
write then.

In order to complete the restorations of these Sifrei Torah for 
placement in these two locations, $7,500 remains to be raised. 
Please know that your sponsorship donation or purchase of a S'forim 
or Judaica products via clicking from the ads on The Sefer Torah 
Recycling Network homepage, the About The Sefer Torah Recycling 
Network page or the Judaica Page is an act of helping to unify Jewish 
neshamot of those who have touched, kissed and lained from these 
Sifrei Torah throughout their lives with those yet to touch, kiss and 
lain from them during their extended future life.  By donating or 
through purchasing via the ads on the site, you are taking positive 
action to possess Eretz Yisrael.

In these days where talk abounds about dismantlements, unilateral 
withdrawals and the like, and this talk is seen as a display of 
weakness discrediting our Divine, eternal legacy of possession of 
Eretz Yisrael, your donation insures that needy locations become 
Mokomot Torah and under the protection of Shemayim.   Please make 
your donations by check or<https://www.paypal.com> paypal -- NOW!

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      Inspiring Sefer Torah Stories from 
         Around the World


In the days after the Hachnasat Sefer Torah Party in Givat Nof Harim, 
I've had a number of interesting responses including from someone who 
told me about a gentleman in Baltimore, Md. who rescued a Sefer Torah 
a few years back from a location in the Ukraine.

Below is a Torah story of a 60 year old Sefer Torah rescued after 
being buried in a Gestapo body bag in the Ukraine, approximately 40 
years ago, together with bones of over 200 Jews.

24 Sept., 2001
<http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2001/09/24/bethcols.htm>Some 
things just won't stay buried


<http://www.jafi.org.il/arts/2003/oct/1.htm>"I Brought the Torah 
Scrolls with Me From Syria!"  - The story of how a Syrian Jew 
smuggled Torah Scrolls into Israel.


A Sefer Torah Story from "GUARDIAN OF JERUSALEM" the life and times 
of Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld is entitled 
<http://www.innernet.org.il/archives/guardian.htm>"Solving The 
Crime."  Click on the link and arrow down to the story.


<http://scheinerman.net/judaism/stories/justice.html>"Purchasing 
Justice"  - between rich and poor, by Rabbi Scheinerman.  A  lesson 
for all of B'nai Yisrael.


                                Sifrei Torah in Iraq

In surfing the net looking for pertinent sites related to Sifrei 
Torah, I stumbled upon this site, which has apparently been inactive 
since fall, 2002.  It is called<http://www.dangoor.com/scribe.html> 
"The SCRIBE" .  You can view the site and it's interesting stories by 
clicking on the title.

                                  More Sefer Torah Stories

I feel that this inspiring story written by Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn 
which appears on the Jewish World Review website bears repeating.  It 
is entitled <http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0403/sole.html> 
"Healing a trampled sole".

But Rabbi Krohn's story is not the only such Holacaust Sefer 
Torah/Shoe story.  The Amcha (Israel Center for Holacaust Survivers) 
site features another such story, 
<http://www.amcha.org/Survivors_Stories.html> "My Shoes", by Rachel. 
Click on the link and arrow down to the story.

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Did you know that you can now help in five ways to assist in 
locating donors of Sifrei Torah and raising funds to accomplish our 
mission?

1/ Talk to your friends, relatives and acquaintances about The Sefer 
Torah Recycling Network and about the many needy communities in Eretz 
Yisrael who do not possess their own Sifrei Torah.   Many Shuls have 
aging Congregations and Sifrei Torah in their Aron HaKodesh laying 
idle, not being lained from.   Many active Shuls have excess Sifrei 
Torah which are not in use due to restoration work needed or because 
the Shul has newer Sifrei Torah.   These S'forim, if in Kosher or 
restorable condition, are desperately needed by communities in 
EretzYisrael who do not have the financial resources to acquire new 
Sifrei Torah and would greatly appreciate the donation of a used 
Sefer Torah.

2/ Donors in the US, please make tax deductible donation checks out 
to "Congregation Ahavas Torah Tzedakah Fund", with a note on both the 
Memo line of the check and on the envelope "Mark Burt & Sefer Torah 
Recycling Network" and mail to "Congregation Ahavas Torah Tzedakah 
Fund", 1425 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19111.  Be sure to 
include your address.  Upon request, a  tax-deductible receipt for 
your donation will be mailed to you.

>>>NEW<<<
Donors in Canada, please make your tax deductible checks out to 
"JBRASS" (BN#864426911RR0001) and mail to; "The Sefer Torah Recycling 
Network", 46 Meadowbrook Road, Apt. 6, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6B 
2S6.  Please mark on the envelope (and if possible attach a stick'em 
memo to the check) saying "Mark Burt & Sefer Torah Recycling 
Network."   Upon receipt, a tax-deductible receipt for your donation 
will be mailed to you.

3/ Donors can participate in a 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/sponsorship.htm>Sponsorship Donation 
program.

4/ Donors can make an Online donation via<https://www.paypal.com> 
paypal.  Simply copy the email address; <mosheb at sefer-torah.com>, 
then click on the <https://www.paypal.com/>paypal link,  and paste 
the copied email address
  onto the block called "Recipient's email".

5/ The Sefer Torah Network  currently has affiliations with 
<http://www.artscroll.com/linker/sefertorahnetwork/home>Artscroll and 
<http://www.soncino.com/search.asp?REFERER=SeferTorahNetwork>Soncino 
publishers, <http://www.cdtorah.com/index.jsp?ref=32&a=0>CDTorah.com 
and 
<http://www.ahuva.com/store/search.asp?REFERER=SeferTorahNetwork>Ahuva 
Judaica whereby subscribers to the Sefer Torah Network News list as 
well as surfers to the  <http://www.sefer-torah.com>The Sefer Torah 
Recycling Network  website can now help finance the project's mission 
simply by purchasing S'forim, Torah lecture CDs or Judaica from these 
publishers and Judaica Suppliers.  All it takes is clicking on any of 
the above links or the links on the website.

The Sefer Torah Network continues to seek affiliations with other 
Judaica publishers as well as with other online Judaica merchants in 
order to generate funds toward defraying project costs.

Please give your Support, Financial Donations/ Donations of 
Used Sifrei Torah.     Make Needy Locations throughout
Israel Mokomot Torah

***********************************************************************************************
Other Locations in need of their own Sifrei Torah;

I want to relate to you the contents of emails which have been 
received  describing some of the newest needy locations.

Among the new locations writing of their need for a Sefer Torah are 
Tzur Hadassah -- only a short distance from Ramat Beit Shemesh. 
They lack an Ashkenaz Sefer Torah.  It is a Yishuv of 2,000 people. 
It is populated mostly by Secular/Traditional, but has a small, but 
growing religious population.  They have S'fardi, joint 
Ashkenazi-S'fardi  and Ashkenaz Minyanim.

The Ashkenaz Minyan which is in need of a Sefer Torah a mix of Olim 
(incl US, Australia, UK, Swiss, Belgian, France) as well as veteran 
Israeli, all leaning towards Dati Leumi.

In Gush Katif, Sifrei Torah are needed in Yeshiva Yamit, which owns 
only one.   Also, in Gush Katif, Yishuv Shi-rat HaYam will soon 
receive a Sefer Torah.  It is a Community of Ashkanazim/S'fardim 
with15 families, approx. 100 people.  The men are Talmidei Chachamim, 
although they presently do not have a Rav.  They Daven in a large 
Caravan (2 Caravanim).   The community was built by sea and one can 
feel the Kedusha and view the beauty of the place.  I hope to go 
there for a Shabbos soon.

In Betar,  the Main Beit Knesset is lacking two Sifrei Torah.  There 
are two other Batei Knesset  which need one each. 

Beitar's Main Beit Knesset's Sefardi Minyan, is a combination of 
North African, Syrian, Yerushalmi, Bavli & European S'fardim. 

The other two Betar Batei Knesset are Ashkenazi/Hassidi with a varied 
mixture of men from all over the world.

In Yishuv Meitzad, the home of the Goldstein family who founded the 
Diaspora Yeshiva in the Old City, in Jerusalem, an AshkenazSefer 
Torah is needed.

An "Ashkenazi" minyan of Yishuv Bar Yochai is in need of a Sefer 
Torah.  Bar Yochai is a town of 117 families close to Meron Junction 
and the grave of the Rashbi.

In Ramat Beit Shemesh "Aleph", Beit Knesset Kehillat Beis Tefillah 
which currently davens in an enclosed area in back of the building 
next to my building, but who recently broke ground for building a 
Beit Knesset, needs it's own Sefer Torah as the two S'forim in their 
Aron HaKodesh are both on loan.

Also in Ramat Beit Shemesh "Aleph", Kehillah Ahavat B'Simcha, a 
Carlebach Minyan is in need of a Sefer Torah. 

In Jerusalem, Yeshiva Machon Meir is in need of an Ashkenaz Sefer Torah.

These are just a few of the many locations all over Israel in need 
their own Sifrei Torah.  To view more such locations, please view The 
Sefer Torah website.

As one lover of Eretz Yisrael to another, I'm sure that you share my 
wish that every location in Eretz Yisrael, regardless of economic 
means, be Mokomot Torah (a place of Torah).   And imagine the level 
of Kedusha when all of the neshamot who have lained from, touched and 
kissed a Sefer Torah in the past, in it's previous home, unite with 
all of the neshamot yet to lain from, touch and kiss the Sefer Torah 
here in EretzYisroel.

At this time in history, with the advent of the latest Oslo 
spin-offs, "Geneva" and the mis-directed "Roadmap" both of which 
endanger Israel,  the kedusha of Eretz Yisrael, Jewish Sovereignty 
and very survival, we need your help, both by way of donations of 
Sifrei Torah and by way of donations of funds in order to fulfill our 
mission of placing Sifrei Torah in needy locations throughout Israel, 
thus possessing Our Land, IY'H insuring our survival.  We hope to 
raise seed funds in order to set up an Amutah or a Non-Profit Company 
in Israel, to employ Sofrim to restore Sifrei Torah, to locate donors 
of, or economically purchase Sifrei Torah via all medium.   The plan 
is also to eventually establish a 501-C3 Non-profit organization in 
the US and thus establish The Sefer Torah Recycling Network an 
ongoing, serious project.

  Your Support, Financial Donations & Donations of
Sifrei Torah Will Help Needy Locations throughout Israel

****************************************************************************************************
Up Close and Personal:

Kehilla Beis Tefillah, Ramat Beit Shemesh;

A link has been added on the links page of the 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>site for a very special Beit Knesset in 
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel; <http://www.beistefillah.org>Kehilla Beis 
Tefillah.  Land has been broken, preliminary retaining wall work has 
been completed and the Shul is moving ahead with the building of a 
new Beit Knesset structure to be completed sometime next year.

Ramat Beit Shemesh is the fastest growing community in Israel and 
<http://www.beistefillah.org>Kehilla Beis Tefillah, led by Rav Chaim 
Malinowitz, among it's most dynamic Shuls.  Friends, when you make 
your pilot trips in the course of your Aliya planning, have your 
Aliya date at hand or have arrived and are searching for a wonderful 
community and full-service Beit Knesset (Tefillah, Kesher, an 
outstanding Rav, daily Night Seder and dynamic Learning Programs, 
Avos U'Bonim, Youth Mishmar and American warmth, caring and 
closeness), your first stop's gotta be Kehillat Beis Tefillah. 
Financial donations toward the <http://www.beistefillah.org>Shul's 
building fund are greatly appreciated.   When donating, please tell 
them that you read about the Shul here.

***************************************************************************************************
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********************************************************************************************************
                               Subscription Instructions

You are invited to tell your friends about The Sefer Torah Recycling 
Network  and to encourage them to 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com/mailman/listinfo/sefer-torah-network-news_sefer-torah.com>subscribe 
online to the Sefer Torah Network News list.  

Subscription is accomplished simply by either viewing 
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>The Sefer Torah Recycling Network 
website and clicking on the subscribe button on the homepage or 
sending an email to: 

Sefer-torah-network-news-request at sefer-torah.com
with subject - "subscribe".

To unsubscribe, user will send an email to:
Sefer-torah-network-news-request at sefer-torah.com
with subject - "unsubscribe".
-- 
Moshe Burt Founder and Director
<http://www.sefer-torah.com>The Sefer Torah Recycling Network
Rechov Nachal Dolev #34/12
Ramat Beit Shemesh 99000
Israel
02-9996496, 067-305-497
Do a Chessed for Needy communities
in Eretz Yisrael.  
Click on; http://www.sefer-torah.com
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to the email block email address;
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