Teaching Team

A Lithuanian Torah Scroll

By Seth Dralle  | Comments (0) | Posted on June 26, 2007

Lithuania once boasted a large Jewish community. Vilna, the capital of Lithuania, was the center of a very large and influential Jewish community. The famous Rabbi Eliyahu (1720-1797), known as the Gaon of Vilna, came from this country. Nearly 10% of Lithuania's population was Jewish. Tragically, nearly 95% of that community was brutally slaughtered in Hilter's "final solution." Yet, the "final solution" did not prevail, thankfully. Despite Nazism's attempt, they simply could not overcome the Jewish people, the people of Torah.

Last Sunday, Israel National News reports, a ceremony took place which stood as a testimony of the enduring legacy of the Jewish people. The only surviving Torah scroll from pre-WWII Lithuania was dedicated aboard the S.S. Harry S. Truman. This scroll is believed to be the only Jewish religious item that survived the Holocaust.

Despite the atrocities of the Holocaust, this scroll stands as a testimony to the faithfulness of God. Though harsh trials come in every generation, both the Jewish people and the Torah continue to survive. Hilters, Hamans, and Ameleks will come and go, but the God's people and God's Word will continue to live.

Currently in Lithuania, the Jewish community is slowly but surely rebuilding. There are currently 4,000 Jews in Lithuania. Thanks to their efforts, and organizations like Chabad, Jewish life and Torah values are being rejuvenated in this once war-torn country of Lithuania.

Am Yisrael Chai!

About the Author: Seth Dralle is the fulfillment and shipping department manager and a research and teaching assistant for FFOZ. He is also a contributor to messiah magazine, the Monthly eRosh and the Torah Club Online Dictionary.

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