On the Anniversary of Oct 7. Terror Attacks, Mendham Jewish Community to Welcome New Torah Scroll in Unique Ceremony 

Torah Dedication Ceremony in Memory of Terror Attack Victims to Feature Memorial Service, Music & Traditional Dancing

The Jewish community of Mendham and Chester will be welcoming a special Torah scroll — Judaism’s most sacred object — with a unique ritual ceremony.

Taking place between the Jewish high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, over 100 people are expected to gather for the Torah dedication ceremony, which will also commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Hamas Terror attacks of October 7, 2023.

The Torah is being dedicated in memory of those who were killed by Hamas terrorists in Israel as well as those wounded, held hostage, and those who suffered the loss of family and friends. The ceremony will feature an expert scribe who will complete the Torah scroll live in front of the community, and attendees will have the opportunity to donate or inscribe a letter in the Torah in the memory of one of the victims of Oct. 7.

"The Torah is what has sustained our people through generations of persecution and every time it will be used, it will bring honor to the memory of the victims of terror," said Rabbi Ari Herson, director of Chabad Jewish Center of Mendham and Chester. “Just as  a Torah scroll is not considered Kosher if even one letter is missing, the Jewish people are incomplete if even one person is missing.”

The funding for the memorial Torah was generously provided by the Goldenberg family to honor their son Marc’s memory. The memorial Torah will also include letters inscribed by the Alexander family of Tenafly, NJ, whose 20-year old son Edan is one of four American hostages still being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas for over 11 months.

The somber memorial service, led by Rabbi Herson and Cantor Shmuli Hurwitz from Crown Heights, will be followed by the traditional song and dance associated with the completion of a new Torah.

“Our Torah dedication ceremony will delicately balance our community's sadness and joy," adds Herson. "We remember those whose lives were tragically taken one year ago, even as we proclaim our hope and joy by bringing a new Torah to the community.”

The event is open to members of the community, who can RSVP here.

For more info & RSVP: ChabadMC.org/TorahEvent

About the Chabad of Mendham and Chester: Co-directed by Rabbi Ari and Sarah Herson, the Chabad Jewish Center of Mendham and Chester offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, Jewish backgrounds and affiliations. Since opening in September of 2023, the Chabad has held a variety of events such Jewish holiday programming, shabbat meals, Torah classes and adult social and education events. For more info, please visit ChabadMC.org.