Writing a Sefer Torah in Memory of Leslie

The Story

Leslie’s children were looking for a fitting and lasting memorial to their father, and one that he would have appreciated. Leslie was a man whose faith was extremely important to him and who was very involved with his synagogue, and this inspired them to write and dedicate a Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll) in his memory.

In early 2020, the Shabbat service of the Chabad Jewish Life Centre of Elstree & Borehamwood (UK) was using borrowed Sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls), with no Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark) or accessories. The Unity Sefer Torah was in the process of being completed but a functioning synagogue ideally requires at least two scrolls to hold services. They needed another Sefer Torah. As Leslie had very much enjoyed attending Chabad services and events, it seemed a fitting home for a Sefer Torah in his memory and therefore, after obtaining the recommendation of a Sofer (scribe) in Israel from Leslie’s brother, David, the writing process began.

Meanwhile, the required accessories for the Sefer Torah needed to be sourced. A Keter (Crown) was bought in London and the Choshen (breastplate) in Israel, whilst the Yad (Pointer) was designed and made to order in London. However, the design and acquisition of the fabric accessories (Me'il (mantel), Parochet (curtain), Amud (lecturn) cover and Bima (raised platform) cover) proved more challenging and after much research, a talented designer in Israel, Chana Gamliel, was found who would custom make what was required. After many ideas and opinions, and much discussion and debate, Leslie’s children concluded that the design of the accessories would reflect Leslie’s Bar Mitzvah Sedra (Torah Portion), his profession and his personality, particularly his creativity. They also wanted a modern and striking design, and this was brought to fruition by Leslie’s nephew, the artist, Itamar Rubner, who produced the initial sketches. Several visits were made to Chana Gamliel to discuss the fabrics, colours and design, and Rabbi Chaim Hoch and Rebbetzen Leah Hoch, the rabbinical couple of The Jewish Life Centre, helped to further refine these to reflect the ambiance of the Jewish Life Centre. Leslie’s sister-in-law, Aliza Rubner, selected the Pasukim (Torah verses) to be embroidered on to the accessories. Finally, having had two full sets of accessories commissioned (one for High Holy Days and one for the rest of the year), it was decided that the accessories, other than those relating directly to the Sefer Torah, would be dedicated to other family members who had passed away: the parochet (curtain) dedicated in memory of Leslie’s parents, Szeren and Armin Rubner, the bima (raised platform) cover dedicated in memory of Leslie’s children’s maternal grandparents, Ella and Ben Gordon, the amud (lecturn) cover dedicated in memory of Hungarian victims of the Holocaust, heroes and martyrs.