═══════════════════════════════ R abbi Shawna Brynjegard- Bialik - Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA. This week was another incredible week of Torah at Temple Ahavat Shalom. We had two days of letter writing, including a visit with the Torah to the Jewish Home. Our incredible committee put in 12 hour days to make sure it all ran smoothly and that every family had a chance to write in the Torah. Laraine, Howard, Fran, Al, Sheila and Cindy were all at the Jewish Home by 8 a.m. to make sure there would be a beautiful festive atmosphere for the residents. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and it has been a pure joy to see so many families making a connection to our Kolin Torah and to our community and finding their families place in the Torah. Our visit to the Jewish Home will be featured on the channel 4 NBC local news tonight - spread the word. Our Torah is looking beautiful - the parchment is clean and most of the repairs have been made to the letters - our Torah is really coming back to life. It will be clear and easy to read and I am looking forward to having our community read from it. Thank you all for your part in making this happen. _________________ Laraine Miller - Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA. “Howard and I are grateful for the opportunity and the ability to participate in the undertaking of this spectacular project. The response of our congregation exceeds our expectations. Our hearts are filled with joy as we reflect on the journey since late summer to now. We look forward to June 12 to our celebration of writing the last word, unveiling the wimple and engaging in a wonderful service dedicated to the complete restoration of our very special Torah. Thank you Rabbi Druin for your compassionate and witty expertise in helping us reach this day. Your dynamism is unforgettable. Thank you Rabbi Shawna for guiding us as a committee of volunteers to reach our goals and for helping numerous families select specific Torah verses as their dedications. Thank you to our fellow congregants who have come together to make this all happen, those serving on the committee and those who chose to complete a pledge. Thank you Rabbi Lutz for kick starting this journey when you declared it was time to restore our Kolin Torah and bring it back to full life, to not only be carried, but to be read from throughout the years to come.”...”Thank you ...for helping us with restoring our little Torah! It was a remarkable feat for our congregation, having just finished a major capital campaign. 275 groups held the quill with you --- involving more participation of any one event than ever before at TAS! Sincerely ═══════════════════════════════ V era Wolff Sullivan - Co- President - Park Avenue Synagogue Singles Committee Dear Rabbi: It was wonderful to speak to you again today at Mitzvah Sunday and recall with you those special moments when, during the Torah Project earlier this year, you gave me my letter….my "lamed". As I said today, when I sat down with you, you looked me straight in the eye as if I was the only person in the universe. You said "Have I got a letter for you." I was so thrilled as if I was getting the birthday present of a lifetime! In the time you spent explaining the significance of the "Lamed" to me, I felt like I was the most valued and cherished being on earth. It was such a special experience. I have treasured the card you gave me. When I got home, I put it on my bulletin board because I wanted to save it but I didn't know exactly where to put it. Then when I was praying one morning with my prayer book and my tallis, I had a brainstorm. I decided to put the card in my prayer book with the Amidah. Now, every morning when I say the Amidah, I am always reminded of the letter, its significance and that special and precious gift of your time. Thank you again. ═══════════════════════════════ Julie - Temple B'nai Shalom - Fairfax Station, VA Thank you for giving the kids an opportunity to interact with the Torah scribe yesterday. It made a big impression on Andrew. First, he called me as soon as he came home (I was at a book club meeting) to tell me that the scribe wrote his name on a piece of cowhide, "just like it would be in the Torah." Then he found a special box to keep it in. Finally, this morning, he tied the box closed and announced that he was bringing it to school to show his friend, Solomon (the only other Jewish kid in his class). It's clear that small gift was quite meaningful to Andrew, and that is special to both him and me. _________________ Amy R. Perlin D.D., Senior Rabbi - Temple B'nai Shalom, Fairfax Station, VA Rabbi Gedaliah Druin has restored all four of my Torahs with kavannah and excellence. He is a gifted teacher, and honest man in a field where that is most rare. He secured two of my Torahs for me with the highest ethical standards. I have no experience with a new Torah, but it is a privilege to recommend this wonderful scribe. He is truly a mensch. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Perlin ═══════════════════════════════ J oel Kelson - Vassar Temple, Poughkeepsie, NY Shalom Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein, I really enjoyed my letter fill-in experience, enjoyed talking to both Rabbis Druin (Gedalya a couple weeks before), and found the whole thing deeply moving. I believe this passage in the Torah is reflected in the Pidyon Haben ceremony. I am honored to have filled in this letter with my family, including my first-born son. Many thanks, _________________ Laura Brundage - Vassar Temple, Poughkeepsie, NY Dear Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein, Thank you very much for making the day a personal and meaningful connection for each of my girls and me as well. Your patience in explaining what must have been the same information over and over coupled with your ability to personalize our letter in a way that we felt there a special purpose for US to have THAT letter is a gift. Thank you again, ═══════════════════════════════ M arc Mayer - Temple Jeremiah - Northfield, IL I was chosen as the committee chair person for our Torah writing project at Temple Jeremiah, a reform temple in Northfield, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. The project came to be known as the "Torah of Our Own" project. My first task was choosing the Sofer to write our Torah and that is how I met Rabbi Moshe Druin and Sofer On Site. I was provided with several Sofer's written materials, including Sofer On Site's. I was initially very impressed with Sofer On Site's marketing information, but it was the meeting with Rabbi Druin that convinced me Sofer On Site was the Sofer for Jeremiah. From that first meeting throughout our joint involvement in the Temple Jeremiah Torah of Our Own project Rabbi Druin never ceased to amaze me with his energy, wit, knowledge of all things Torah and ability to connect with each and every one of our congregants in a meaningful way. Not only did my own family get to have our ten minute session with Rabbi Druin when we wrote our own letter in our new Torah, but as the committee chairperson I got to observe first hand most of our congregants as they wrote their letters in the Torah and interacted with Rabbi Druin. From my own and my family's experience, we were amazed at how easily Rabbi Druin connected with everyone in the family and how everyone separately related to his explanation of the significance of our letter and word. However, it was Rabbi Druin's ease of manner with each of our congregants, from our oldest, 100 year old member to the small babies who sat with their parents while they wrote their letters that impressed me the most. His discussions with all our families and his teaching at each of the sessions showed his passion for the Torah and his passion for teaching Torah. I often commented how it appeared every family walked on air after their session with Rabbi Druin. To a person, everyone who attended one of Rabbi Druin's Torah writing sessions came away from the experience expressing wonderment and joy in what they had just done. Sofer On Site and Rabbi Druin were always prompt, courteous, prepared and ready to teach no matter who the audience was. He was equally adept at teaching our adult classes as he was teaching our Hebrew and religious school students. The staff at Sofer On Site was there to assist us in every aspect of our project, from the opening ceremony, through fundraising, marketing, scheduling and the closing ceremony. While our project was a success in terms of getting our beautiful new Torah completed and having many of our congregants participate in writing a letter in the Torah, it was Rabbi Druin's positive message and personality that made the project so fulfilling for me and our congregation. I would recommend Sofer On Site and Rabbi Druin to any temple considering getting involved in any Torah oriented project. ═══════════════════════════════ A nita Rubin - Congregation Shir Ami, Newtown, PA Rabbi, thank you for helping make the closing ceremonies of our torah program such a wonderful and meaningful event. I was so moved by what you said to our committee as we filled in our letter in the final word of our torah. I was hoping no one noticed as a few tears escaped down my cheeks. And watching you and Rabbi Strom joyously dance on the bimah. It wasn't on the program --- but what a great additional. My husband said he wanted us all to join in. (I told him "It was on the program!) And then we had our two girls chant so beautifully from OUR TORAH. It doesn't get any better than that. I am sorry for omitting your name from the program. In all the planning, it was our only mistake. Hope and I knew the fulfullment of the 613 commandment was your part of the program but it never got to print. Thank you for this wonderful experience. It is one all of us will never forget. ═══════════════════════════════ N ancy Ellen Micco, Director ECLC, Temple Israel of the City of New York Dear Penina: I was so pleased to hear from you and am honored to be asked for a recommendation. Rabbi Druin was the absolute best. He came and visited in each of our classrooms and his presentations were perfect whether he was speaking to our young two year olds or our five years. He clearly knows young children well. He came with materials that the children could not only look at but feel and touch as well. It is extremely important to young children to be able to have a tactile experience as well. He patiently answered all of their questions whether they were on topic or not. He was as delightful with adults as he was with the children. When I had my turn to write he explained the passage to me thoroughly before he guided my hand. It was truly a very moving moment! It was captured in a photo that I have in my office. Rabbi Druin enhanced this once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are considering writing your own Torah, Rabbi Druin is definitely your man.

═══════════════════════════════ R abbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik - Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA. This week was another incredible week of Torah at Temple Ahavat Shalom. We had two days of letter writing, including a visit with the Torah to the Jewish Home. Our incredible committee put in 12 hour days to make sure it all ran smoothly and that every family had a chance to write in the Torah. Laraine, Howard, Fran, Al, Sheila and Cindy were all at the Jewish Home by 8 a.m. to make sure there would be a beautiful festive atmosphere for the residents. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and it has been a pure joy to see so many families making a connection to our Kolin Torah and to our community and finding their families place in the Torah. Our visit to the Jewish Home will be featured on the channel 4 NBC local news tonight - spread the word. Our Torah is looking beautiful - the parchment is clean and most of the repairs have been made to the letters - our Torah is really coming back to life. It will be clear and easy to read and I am looking forward to having our community read from it. Thank you all for your part in making this happen. _________________ Laraine Miller - Temple Ahavat Shalom, Northridge, CA. “Howard and I are grateful for the opportunity and the ability to participate in the undertaking of this spectacular project. The response of our congregation exceeds our expectations. Our hearts are filled with joy as we reflect on the journey since late summer to now. We look forward to June 12 to our celebration of writing the last word, unveiling the wimple and engaging in a wonderful service dedicated to the complete restoration of our very special Torah. Thank you Rabbi Druin for your compassionate and witty expertise in helping us reach this day. Your dynamism is unforgettable. Thank you Rabbi Shawna for guiding us as a committee of volunteers to reach our goals and for helping numerous families select specific Torah verses as their dedications. Thank you to our fellow congregants who have come together to make this all happen, those serving on the committee and those who chose to complete a pledge. Thank you Rabbi Lutz for kick starting this journey when you declared it was time to restore our Kolin Torah and bring it back to full life, to not only be carried, but to be read from throughout the years to come.”...”Thank you ...for helping us with restoring our little Torah! It was a remarkable feat for our congregation, having just finished a major capital campaign. 275 groups held the quill with you --- involving more participation of any one event than ever before at TAS! Sincerely ═══════════════════════════════ V era Wolff Sullivan - Co-President - Park Avenue Synagogue Singles Committee Dear Rabbi: It was wonderful to speak to you again today at Mitzvah Sunday and recall with you those special moments when, during the Torah Project earlier this year, you gave me my letter….my "lamed". As I said today, when I sat down with you, you looked me straight in the eye as if I was the only person in the universe. You said "Have I got a letter for you." I was so thrilled as if I was getting the birthday present of a lifetime! In the time you spent explaining the significance of the "Lamed" to me, I felt like I was the most valued and cherished being on earth. It was such a special experience. I have treasured the card you gave me. When I got home, I put it on my bulletin board because I wanted to save it but I didn't know exactly where to put it. Then when I was praying one morning with my prayer book and my tallis, I had a brainstorm. I decided to put the card in my prayer book with the Amidah. Now, every morning when I say the Amidah, I am always reminded of the letter, its significance and that special and precious gift of your time. Thank you again. ═══════════════════════════════ Julie - Temple B'nai Shalom - Fairfax Station, VA Thank you for giving the kids an opportunity to interact with the Torah scribe yesterday. It made a big impression on Andrew. First, he called me as soon as he came home (I was at a book club meeting) to tell me that the scribe wrote his name on a piece of cowhide, "just like it would be in the Torah." Then he found a special box to keep it in. Finally, this morning, he tied the box closed and announced that he was bringing it to school to show his friend, Solomon (the only other Jewish kid in his class). It's clear that small gift was quite meaningful to Andrew, and that is special to both him and me. _________________ Amy R. Perlin D.D., Senior Rabbi - Temple B'nai Shalom, Fairfax Station, VA Rabbi Gedaliah Druin has restored all four of my Torahs with kavannah and excellence. He is a gifted teacher, and honest man in a field where that is most rare. He secured two of my Torahs for me with the highest ethical standards. I have no experience with a new Torah, but it is a privilege to recommend this wonderful scribe. He is truly a mensch. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Perlin ═══════════════════════════════ J oel Kelson - Vassar Temple, Poughkeepsie, NY Shalom Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein, I really enjoyed my letter fill-in experience, enjoyed talking to both Rabbis Druin (Gedalya a couple weeks before), and found the whole thing deeply moving. I believe this passage in the Torah is reflected in the Pidyon Haben ceremony. I am honored to have filled in this letter with my family, including my first- born son. Many thanks, _________________ Laura Brundage - Vassar Temple, Poughkeepsie, NY Dear Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein, Thank you very much for making the day a personal and meaningful connection for each of my girls and me as well. Your patience in explaining what must have been the same information over and over coupled with your ability to personalize our letter in a way that we felt there a special purpose for US to have THAT letter is a gift. Thank you again, ═══════════════════════════════ M arc Mayer - Temple Jeremiah - Northfield, IL I was chosen as the committee chair person for our Torah writing project at Temple Jeremiah, a reform temple in Northfield, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. The project came to be known as the "Torah of Our Own" project. My first task was choosing the Sofer to write our Torah and that is how I met Rabbi Moshe Druin and Sofer On Site. I was provided with several Sofer's written materials, including Sofer On Site's. I was initially very impressed with Sofer On Site's marketing information, but it was the meeting with Rabbi Druin that convinced me Sofer On Site was the Sofer for Jeremiah. From that first meeting throughout our joint involvement in the Temple Jeremiah Torah of Our Own project Rabbi Druin never ceased to amaze me with his energy, wit, knowledge of all things Torah and ability to connect with each and every one of our congregants in a meaningful way. Not only did my own family get to have our ten minute session with Rabbi Druin when we wrote our own letter in our new Torah, but as the committee chairperson I got to observe first hand most of our congregants as they wrote their letters in the Torah and interacted with Rabbi Druin. From my own and my family's experience, we were amazed at how easily Rabbi Druin connected with everyone in the family and how everyone separately related to his explanation of the significance of our letter and word. However, it was Rabbi Druin's ease of manner with each of our congregants, from our oldest, 100 year old member to the small babies who sat with their parents while they wrote their letters that impressed me the most. His discussions with all our families and his teaching at each of the sessions showed his passion for the Torah and his passion for teaching Torah. I often commented how it appeared every family walked on air after their session with Rabbi Druin. To a person, everyone who attended one of Rabbi Druin's Torah writing sessions came away from the experience expressing wonderment and joy in what they had just done. Sofer On Site and Rabbi Druin were always prompt, courteous, prepared and ready to teach no matter who the audience was. He was equally adept at teaching our adult classes as he was teaching our Hebrew and religious school students. The staff at Sofer On Site was there to assist us in every aspect of our project, from the opening ceremony, through fundraising, marketing, scheduling and the closing ceremony. While our project was a success in terms of getting our beautiful new Torah completed and having many of our congregants participate in writing a letter in the Torah, it was Rabbi Druin's positive message and personality that made the project so fulfilling for me and our congregation. I would recommend Sofer On Site and Rabbi Druin to any temple considering getting involved in any Torah oriented project. ═══════════════════════════════ A nita Rubin - Congregation Shir Ami, Newtown, PA Rabbi, thank you for helping make the closing ceremonies of our torah program such a wonderful and meaningful event. I was so moved by what you said to our committee as we filled in our letter in the final word of our torah. I was hoping no one noticed as a few tears escaped down my cheeks. And watching you and Rabbi Strom joyously dance on the bimah. It wasn't on the program --- but what a great additional. My husband said he wanted us all to join in. (I told him "It was on the program!) And then we had our two girls chant so beautifully from OUR TORAH. It doesn't get any better than that. I am sorry for omitting your name from the program. In all the planning, it was our only mistake. Hope and I knew the fulfullment of the 613 commandment was your part of the program but it never got to print. Thank you for this wonderful experience. It is one all of us will never forget. ═══════════════════════════════ N ancy Ellen Micco, Director ECLC, Temple Israel of the City of New York Dear Penina: I was so pleased to hear from you and am honored to be asked for a recommendation. Rabbi Druin was the absolute best. He came and visited in each of our classrooms and his presentations were perfect whether he was speaking to our young two year olds or our five years. He clearly knows young children well. He came with materials that the children could not only look at but feel and touch as well. It is extremely important to young children to be able to have a tactile experience as well. He patiently answered all of their questions whether they were on topic or not. He was as delightful with adults as he was with the children. When I had my turn to write he explained the passage to me thoroughly before he guided my hand. It was truly a very moving moment! It was captured in a photo that I have in my office. Rabbi Druin enhanced this once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are considering writing your own Torah, Rabbi Druin is definitely your man.