On June 30, two Torah scrolls were brought into Florence’s synagogue. One is an antique 17th-century scroll that was restored in collaboration with the Conference of European Rabbis. The other is a new scroll crafted in Israel thanks to a donation from two families. The final letters were completed just before the ceremony with the participation of guests from a retirement home and numerous community members. It had been at least 150 years since a new Sefer Torah had been brought into the community.
“There was a time when it was customary to donate Torah scrolls to celebrate holidays or weddings,” said the city’s Chief Rabbi, Gadi Piperno, as he opened the Hachnasat Sefer ceremony. The Camerini and Halwani families donated the new Sefer Torah to seal their recent union. The restoration of the ancient Sefer Torah was made possible by the bequest of Cantor Jacopo Treves, z”l (“a pillar of this community”), and a donation from Robert and Eveline Mintz.
“We hope that the number of Sefer Torahs will grow in Florence and in every other community,” declared Alfonso Arbib, the Chief Rabbi of Milan and President of the Italian Rabbinical Assembly. “Writing a Sefer Torah is one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) that each person is called upon to fulfill as an individual.” Reflecting on the phrase “Write this song” found in the parashah of Vayelech, Rabbi Arbib outlined several interpretations by Jewish scholars regarding what is meant by “song.” For some, it is the Torah itself, “not only for what is written, but also for the feeling and emotion” that its reading should evoke in those who read and listen.
Dario Disegni, president of the Jewish Community of Turin and the Foundation for the Jewish Cultural Heritage in Italy (FBCEI), joined the celebrations. “I have a special affection for Florence, the city of my grandfather, Dario, who was born here and trained for his rabbinical career,” he said. Disegni emphasized the importance of promoting Jewish cultural heritage as an incentive for activities and announced that some government funds earmarked for Florence would be allocated in the future.