No book has had a greater influence on the development of the Jewish people than the Torah.  None is even close.  In Jewish tradition, the Torah is read on an annual cycle, and the holiday of Simchat Torah (this year beginning on the evening of Oct. 24) celebrates the time when that cycle begins anew.  While we do not accept the traditional view that the Torah was dictated by God to Moses at Sinai, we can still appreciate this powerful and precious document. 

Join us this Shabbat as we unroll and read from Oraynu’s Torah scroll.  (Did you even know we owned one?  It is from Germany from the mid-1800s. During WWII, a group of Jews fleeing Germany asked a Christian family to hide it for safekeeping.  No one ever returned to claim it. Decades later, it made its way to Yad Vashem, was  offered for sale, was purchased, and eventually gifted to Oraynu in 2010.) 

Come celebrate not only this book but the Jewish people’s long heritage of literature, law, study and inquiry. 

A PARTIAL potluck dinner will start the evening off; Oraynu will provide roast chicken and a vegetarian option for those who request, and YOU will bring the balance: sides / salads / desserts / fruit.  THANK YOU!  (Please arrive a few minutes BEFORE 6:30, to drop your items off, get things into the oven for reheating, etc.)