All Because of One Letter Inspiring personal accounts of Torah scribing.

Abe Marcadis - Rodeph Sholom Great experience from the beginning to end. Moving experiences for our congregants and very meaningful project. Raised funds for our long-term endowment that will keep us growing strong in the future. Could not have done it without SOS. All the soferim are highly experienced and very friendly - the congregation enjoyed their teaching and explanations. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ron & Brenda Appleton - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. A most wonderful experience and very informative. We were delighted to have been able to participate, Rabbi Druin was delightful. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Benjamin Groberman - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Together with my parents, I helped inscribe a letter in Beth Israel's new sefer Torah. Rabbi Druin's insight and humour, lessons and guidance complemented the experience of the mitzvah. It was a simcha. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Glenda Mindlin - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. I think it was a taf- scribed with the Norman Franks family. Very positive especially watching how he made the children feel involved and important. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sandi Bojm - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Our letter was Zadik. The Rabbi discussed the meaning with us. We learned about the righteousness of the Zaikim and how we can aspire to these qualities. It was a very meaningul and spiritual moment for our family together to have experienced the scribing of a letter in the Torah. It is a memory to be treasured. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Stuart Snow - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. I can recommend the experienced professionals at Sofer on Site without hesitation for any congregation wishing to have their Torah scrolls evaluated, cleaned and repaired to return them to Kashrut status. Every member of the staff is kind, dedicated to the task at hand, professional in their demeanor and follow up, and truly a partner with you during this process. We could not be more pleased. They are with you before, during and after! May HaShem continue to bless their efforts with success! Thank you Sofer on Site. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ava Lee Millman Fisher - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. It was a memorable and exciting experience for members of my family and me to inscribe the 86th letter of the last hundred in our new Torah. I took especially great delight in the attentive reaction of my grandchildren ... and the fact that they were capable of answering all of the questions posed. "FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION". ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nicky Fried - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. An incredible experience! As both guide and participant I had the pleasure of seeing Rabbi Druin in action four times. Each scribing opportunity was uniquely tailored, and delivered not only learning but a very emotional journey. Personally the love and attention he gave to my young adult daughter was touching and will be a memory she will carry with her for life. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Carol Herbert - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. I find myself still thinking 'wow' as I move through my day, having heard Rabbi Druin's teaching about the meaning of 'morah', our letter being the mem at the beginning of the word. Though we met with him at the end of the third day, he was completely engaged and enthusiastic. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Reisa Smiley Schneider - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. We wrote chaf (word #91 of the last 100) from the word lechol but Rabbi Druin chose to combine his teaching with the word next to it - morah which means wonder; he talked about the wonder of God, creation and of course of the wonder of a child noting that we had our one year old granddaughter participate in the 'Sofer on Site' experience with her parents and ourselves, her grandparents (mdor ldor). Todah Rabah for an inspiring, educational and uplifting spiritual experience. Rabbi Druin is an inspiring spiritual leader and effective educator; he was quick to come up with a teaching that was meaningful to our whole family; I suspect he chose to focus on the subject he did in order to engage the younger generation which is so important in our times. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Gretchen DuMoulin - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Rabbi Druin is so personable and truly speaks from the heart. He was very engaging and really made the experience come to life. Thank you for your heart and spirit you really spoke to us all. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Binny Goldman - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. One of the last 3 letters- of Yisrael-."RAISH" and found it fascinating to realize that it forms the word YASHAR when just the first 3 letters are used. One doesn't normally search for smaller words and their significance within larger Hebrew words unless they are pointed out ..which our Sofer Rabbi Druin wisely did. This is what I sent out to the planning committee of BI. Now that I have scribed- an experience like no other - which will live in my heart with other unique experiences I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed-the birth of my children..or a trip to Israel..I would like to share some of the predominant comments I have heard from those attending the closing ceremony of our scribing. These were comments made by guests in the audience who had scribed at the synagogues where they were members, who said that they too, wished they had been given the opportunity by their shul to walk the paths walked by our members; to stop by the Well of Torah, to have had the opportunity to decorate a chagorah; to place a wish upon a tree; to listen to a maggidah; to meditate and to finally - then reach the goal of scribing their letter and listen to the significance of the letter they were scribing told to them by Rabbi Druin. They only realized that- however, when hearing the accounts of those of our members who had walked the total journey and learning of the deep emotions this journey had evoked. I was also asked who had initiated this path to the torah, who had birthed this idea and thereby not to make it merely a fund raising event. I answered that the idea had come from the hearts of the members of our shul - as they are OUR hearts- the hearts of BI who knew what would be a meaningful experience for all as they themselves envisioned it as a meaningful experience for themselves...and brought it to fruition. And so it seems through our journey- we have touched many hearts out there. Thank YOU..Mazel tov..indeed the little letters of the torah scattered in the heavens as Past President Peter hoped- certainly did land here as well. And in the words of our Sofer and our own Rabbi Infeld..the true heart of our BI.. Yasher Koach! Binny- (gratefully- a member of BI) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Natasha Press - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. The letter hay. The sofer told meaningful stories about it and how it can inspire personal change and growth. It was an amazing experience for me and my children! The sofer created an atmosphere of kavana. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Rochelle Hammer - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. The letter was Mem. This letter meant love, which was very meaningful to us. Thank you very much. It meant so much to my husband and myself that we had the opportunity to participate in this mitzvah that gave us a new feeling about being Jewish. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bob Levitt - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Our letter was Lammed and was significant for us for both the honour of having it written in Beth Israel's new Torah but as well as it is the first letter of our last name: Levitt. My wife, Gisella, and I with our daughter, Valerie her husband Noam, their son Erez and daughter Mia and our daughter Lisa with her daughter Michaela, all participated in this wonderful experience. (Lisa's husband, Jeffrey, was not able to be with us as he was in Toronto tending to his gravely ill Grandmother. His presence would have completed the circle for us.) Rabbi Druin is a most engaging and knowledgeable man with a welcoming personality. He made the end point (scribing our letter) well worth the journey. Thank you Rabbi. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Laney Arndt - Temple Shalom, Dallas TX Scribing in our Torah was an incredibly moving experience, certainly more so than I thought it would be. The Sofer was so very patient and extremely knowledgeable. I loved hearing the story behind the letter I was about to scribe. The experience was made even more meaningful because my entire family was able to share in the very special event. For years to come, every time our Torah is removed from the Ark, we will remember this time in our lives. So very special. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Brenda Nibert - Temple Shalom, Dallas TX Scribing in our Torah was an incredibly moving experience, certainly more so than I thought it would be. The Sofer was so very patient and extremely knowledgeable. I loved hearing the story behind the letter I was about to scribe. The experience was made even more meaningful because my entire family was able to share in the very special event. For years to come, every time our Torah is removed from the Ark, we will remember this time in our lives. So very special. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Jill Dunn - Temple Shalom, Dallas TX Really the most meaningful experience I ever had at my temple, besides my boys' bar-mitzvot. Such a personal and special event due to the sofer's enthusiasm and inclusion.

All Because of One Letter Inspiring personal accounts of Torah scribing.

Abe Marcadis - Rodeph Sholom Great experience from the beginning to end. Moving experiences for our congregants and very meaningful project. Raised funds for our long-term endowment that will keep us growing strong in the future. Could not have done it without SOS. All the soferim are highly experienced and very friendly - the congregation enjoyed their teaching and explanations. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ron & Brenda Appleton - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. A most wonderful experience and very informative. We were delighted to have been able to participate, Rabbi Druin was delightful. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Benjamin Groberman - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Together with my parents, I helped inscribe a letter in Beth Israel's new sefer Torah. Rabbi Druin's insight and humour, lessons and guidance complemented the experience of the mitzvah. It was a simcha. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Glenda Mindlin - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. I think it was a taf- scribed with the Norman Franks family. Very positive especially watching how he made the children feel involved and important. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sandi Bojm - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Our letter was Zadik. The Rabbi discussed the meaning with us. We learned about the righteousness of the Zaikim and how we can aspire to these qualities. It was a very meaningul and spiritual moment for our family together to have experienced the scribing of a letter in the Torah. It is a memory to be treasured. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Stuart Snow - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. I can recommend the experienced professionals at Sofer on Site without hesitation for any congregation wishing to have their Torah scrolls evaluated, cleaned and repaired to return them to Kashrut status. Every member of the staff is kind, dedicated to the task at hand, professional in their demeanor and follow up, and truly a partner with you during this process. We could not be more pleased. They are with you before, during and after! May HaShem continue to bless their efforts with success! Thank you Sofer on Site. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ava Lee Millman Fisher - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. It was a memorable and exciting experience for members of my family and me to inscribe the 86th letter of the last hundred in our new Torah. I took especially great delight in the attentive reaction of my grandchildren ... and the fact that they were capable of answering all of the questions posed. "FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION". ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nicky Fried - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. An incredible experience! As both guide and participant I had the pleasure of seeing Rabbi Druin in action four times. Each scribing opportunity was uniquely tailored, and delivered not only learning but a very emotional journey. Personally the love and attention he gave to my young adult daughter was touching and will be a memory she will carry with her for life. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Carol Herbert - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. I find myself still thinking 'wow' as I move through my day, having heard Rabbi Druin's teaching about the meaning of 'morah', our letter being the mem at the beginning of the word. Though we met with him at the end of the third day, he was completely engaged and enthusiastic. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Reisa Smiley Schneider - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. We wrote chaf (word #91 of the last 100) from the word lechol but Rabbi Druin chose to combine his teaching with the word next to it - morah which means wonder; he talked about the wonder of God, creation and of course of the wonder of a child noting that we had our one year old granddaughter participate in the 'Sofer on Site' experience with her parents and ourselves, her grandparents (mdor ldor). Todah Rabah for an inspiring, educational and uplifting spiritual experience. Rabbi Druin is an inspiring spiritual leader and effective educator; he was quick to come up with a teaching that was meaningful to our whole family; I suspect he chose to focus on the subject he did in order to engage the younger generation which is so important in our times. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Gretchen DuMoulin - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Rabbi Druin is so personable and truly speaks from the heart. He was very engaging and really made the experience come to life. Thank you for your heart and spirit you really spoke to us all. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Binny Goldman - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. One of the last 3 letters- of Yisrael-."RAISH" and found it fascinating to realize that it forms the word YASHAR when just the first 3 letters are used. One doesn't normally search for smaller words and their significance within larger Hebrew words unless they are pointed out ..which our Sofer Rabbi Druin wisely did. This is what I sent out to the planning committee of BI. Now that I have scribed- an experience like no other - which will live in my heart with other unique experiences I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed-the birth of my children..or a trip to Israel..I would like to share some of the predominant comments I have heard from those attending the closing ceremony of our scribing. These were comments made by guests in the audience who had scribed at the synagogues where they were members, who said that they too, wished they had been given the opportunity by their shul to walk the paths walked by our members; to stop by the Well of Torah, to have had the opportunity to decorate a chagorah; to place a wish upon a tree; to listen to a maggidah; to meditate and to finally - then reach the goal of scribing their letter and listen to the significance of the letter they were scribing told to them by Rabbi Druin. They only realized that- however, when hearing the accounts of those of our members who had walked the total journey and learning of the deep emotions this journey had evoked. I was also asked who had initiated this path to the torah, who had birthed this idea and thereby not to make it merely a fund raising event. I answered that the idea had come from the hearts of the members of our shul - as they are OUR hearts- the hearts of BI who knew what would be a meaningful experience for all as they themselves envisioned it as a meaningful experience for themselves...and brought it to fruition. And so it seems through our journey- we have touched many hearts out there. Thank YOU..Mazel tov..indeed the little letters of the torah scattered in the heavens as Past President Peter hoped-certainly did land here as well. And in the words of our Sofer and our own Rabbi Infeld..the true heart of our BI.. Yasher Koach! Binny- (gratefully- a member of BI) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Natasha Press - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. The letter hay. The sofer told meaningful stories about it and how it can inspire personal change and growth. It was an amazing experience for me and my children! The sofer created an atmosphere of kavana. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Rochelle Hammer - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. The letter was Mem. This letter meant love, which was very meaningful to us. Thank you very much. It meant so much to my husband and myself that we had the opportunity to participate in this mitzvah that gave us a new feeling about being Jewish. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bob Levitt - Congregation Beth Isael Vancouver, B.C. Our letter was Lammed and was significant for us for both the honour of having it written in Beth Israel's new Torah but as well as it is the first letter of our last name: Levitt. My wife, Gisella, and I with our daughter, Valerie her husband Noam, their son Erez and daughter Mia and our daughter Lisa with her daughter Michaela, all participated in this wonderful experience. (Lisa's husband, Jeffrey, was not able to be with us as he was in Toronto tending to his gravely ill Grandmother. His presence would have completed the circle for us.) Rabbi Druin is a most engaging and knowledgeable man with a welcoming personality. He made the end point (scribing our letter) well worth the journey. Thank you Rabbi. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Laney Arndt - Temple Shalom, Dallas TX Scribing in our Torah was an incredibly moving experience, certainly more so than I thought it would be. The Sofer was so very patient and extremely knowledgeable. I loved hearing the story behind the letter I was about to scribe. The experience was made even more meaningful because my entire family was able to share in the very special event. For years to come, every time our Torah is removed from the Ark, we will remember this time in our lives. So very special. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Brenda Nibert - Temple Shalom, Dallas TX Scribing in our Torah was an incredibly moving experience, certainly more so than I thought it would be. The Sofer was so very patient and extremely knowledgeable. I loved hearing the story behind the letter I was about to scribe. The experience was made even more meaningful because my entire family was able to share in the very special event. For years to come, every time our Torah is removed from the Ark, we will remember this time in our lives. So very special. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Jill Dunn - Temple Shalom, Dallas TX Really the most meaningful experience I ever had at my temple, besides my boys' bar-mitzvot. Such a personal and special event due to the sofer's enthusiasm and inclusion.