A synagogue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan recently held a procession featuring sixty historic Torahs to celebrate the salvaging of over 1,500 religious artifacts from Nazi-occupied Prague. Representatives from Jewish temples in the tri-state area gathered to honor the Torahs and reflect on antisemitism, particularly during the ongoing Mideast war. Rabbi Amy Ehrlich of Temple Emanuel emphasized the importance of standing tall as Jews and holding the Torah closer, even in the face of increasing antisemitism.
The Torahs, collectively known as the Memorial Scrolls Trust, originated in Jewish communities across Czechoslovakia from the 1200s to the early 20th century. Looted by the Nazis during World War II, the Torahs were stored in Prague throughout the war, miraculously surviving the looting. Unfortunately, not all the Torahs emerged unscathed, with some burned, riddled with bullet holes, blood-stained, or containing poignant notes asking to be remembered. When the scrolls were finally rescued, they were found in a storage facility in Prague, with some of their rescuers likening their smell to death.
In 1964, the Czech government sold the Torahs to a London art collector who then passed them to Westminster Synagogue for restoration and keeping. Since then, the Torahs have been loaned to synagogues around the world, where they are celebrated as symbols of Jewish persecution and perseverance in the face of violence. Trustee Lois Roman noted that the Torahs’ experience mirrored that of the Jewish people, as they were collected, numbered, kept in poor conditions, and their health deteriorated. However, unlike most of the Jews, the Torahs survived and now play a role in retelling the story of the Holocaust.
The Torah procession and ceremony served as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the Jewish people. It underscored the importance of Holocaust education, especially in current times where antisemitism is on the rise. The Torahs are a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope, showcasing the survival of the Jewish people through the dark chapters of history. As the world changes, it is vital to reflect on the past and stand against antisemitism, ensuring that the stories of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
The Torah collection from Czechoslovakia, now housed in various synagogues around the world, continues to educate people about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance. Through these Torahs, the memories of those lost during that dark period in history are kept alive. By using the Torahs as tools for education and remembrance, the hope is that future generations will learn from the past and strive towards a more tolerant and understanding society. The procession of these historic Torahs serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of never forgetting the lessons of the past.
