Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation - 2009 Torah Dedication

On Sunday, December 13, the second day of Hanukah, an estimated 250 or more people filled the SBH sanctuary to formally dedicate a new Sefer Torah honoring the 90th birthday of Rabbi Solomon Maimon, and later to enjoy a fabulous Hanukah celebration in the Sam H. Baruch Social Hall.

Master of Ceremonies, Simon Amiel, brought the right combination of seriousness, humor, and respect, as he introduced the various speakers and kept the program on track.

Rabbi Maimon, Rabbi Benzaquen, and President Elie Levy spoke in turn, each adding his own personal greetings, words of Torah, and appreciation for this milestone event.

With much fanfare, the new Sefer Torah, in one of its new beautiful Vestithos, was taken from the Aron Ha'Kodesh and brought to the Tevah for the completion of the final words and letters, as is customary at a dedication of this sort. Rabbi Benzaquen served as the Sofer, and completed the Sefer. As soon as the ink was dry, Elie Levy read the final verses from the Torah, the Sefer was raised for the Hakamah, for all to see, and then a beautiful procession around the sanctuary took place.
The new Sefer, accompanied by several other Sifrei Torah carried by representatives of their donor families, was paraded around to the joyful singing of Yimloch.

As the date for this event coincided with Hanukah, everyone was then invited to the Sam H. Baruch Social Hall for a delightful and delicious lunch. Birmuelos, latkes, and everything in between; as well as games and activities for the kids. A big thank you to Eli Varon and his crew of volunteers who worked all night long to prepare the food and the hall. It was just fabulous!

It was a great day, and a great way to bring to a climax the year-long dual celebrations honoring Rabbi Maimon's 90th birthday and the Synagogue's 95th anniversary.

Photo credits - Meryl Alcabez and Luci Varon

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