Chabad celebrates Siyum Sefer Torah

Hundreds of students took part in an historic event at Binghamton University on Sunday, November 6, 2005: a Siyum Sefer Torah, the completion of a new Torah Scroll. New York based philanthropist Yossi Sternberg commissioned the writing of the scroll by a scribe in Israel; it was completed in a spectacular ceremony at BU, where the Torah will remain on loan to the Chabad House Jewish Student Center. The festivities began at 2pm in the elegantly bedecked university Social Hall where students as well as the other guests assembled had the opportunity to watch as the scribe inscribed a letter in the scroll in their honor. Guests were treated to a sumptuous bagel brunch as well as warm, thought provoking greetings by University President Lois DeFleur, Student rep. Michelle Bloom, Rabbi and Rivkah Slonim and Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the scribe. An emotional cry of Mazel Tov rang out as the last letter was written and a new Torah "was born." Midst the strains of Mazel Tov V'Siman Tov, participants watched as the Torah was raised for the first time, giving each attendant the chance to find the letters of their Hebrew name in the scroll. The Torah was then wrapped and finally crowned by donor Yossi Sternberg. Participants then each kissed the new Torah and the fabulous Torah Parade Procession began! BU never saw such a sight as the procession began to wind its way from the Old Union to the Chabad House. Hundreds of students -- singing and dancing -- followed the banner, the specially designed Mt. Sinai float, the torch bearers, the Chupah (marriage canopy) under which the new Torah was borne as well as the wonderfully festooned cars. Jewish music and song filled the air as students expressed their joy and Jewish pride. At the Chabad House, the existing Torahs were taken from the Ark to welcome the new Torah to its home midst great jubilation. The spirited Hakafot rocked the house after which  Mincha was recited and a Kosher Chinese celebratory dinner was enjoyed by all. It was a day that will not be forgotten for a long, long time.