222 - For bidding farewell to a Torah scroll

Last Simchat Torah, Beth Emet dedicated a new Torah scroll that had been written in honor of the 50th anniversary of our congregation. It was decided that one of our scrolls should have a new home in our sister congregation, Etz Chayim in Simferopol, Ukraine. Twenty Beth Emet members will take it there next month. Next week, we will all say goodbye.

Two Hundred Twenty-Two

For bidding farewell to a Torah scroll

Holy One, You witnessed our congregation’s birth;
Newly gathered then to praise and learn,
We unrolled the living scroll before eager eyes,
Ears attuned to sweet cadences of ancient chant.

Each year compelled the cycle to renew,
To find You in the words, our meeting place;
Torah informs our souls with divinity,
Your love for us, Your challenges, Your cause.

We are abundantly blessed, our needs fulfilled;
How can we thank You for our bounty?
Willingly, lovingly, we cede this scroll.
Let it nourish another remnant of Your people.

Wrap us with humility, a talllit of tikkun,
Inspire us to deeds compelled by righteousness;
Join us to Your people in all the lands,
Bless them with our plenty and our peace.