This year, Temple Beth Ami embarks on a once-in-a-generation journey: the creation of a new Torah scroll, lovingly given in honor of Rabbi Emeritus Jack A. Luxemburg as he marks his 50th year in the rabbinate, a moment so perfectly timed it feels truly beshert (meant to be).
The Story of Our New Torah
Our newest Torah scroll came into being through an extraordinary act of love, learning, and lasting commitment to Jewish life.
Many years ago, a devoted member of the Temple Beth Ami community made a quiet but powerful decision. In planning for the future, they chose to dedicate a portion of their estate to something timeless: the creation of a Torah scroll that would be read and cherished by generations to come. This gift was arranged with care and intention to be fulfilled after their own passing, as an enduring act of faith, legacy, and continuity.
The vision was clear. A portion of the estate would be set aside to commission a new Torah scroll for Temple Beth Ami. The scroll would be written by a skilled and trusted sofer, crafted in a style approved by our rabbi, and created in Israel specifically for Temple Beth Ami. Even the parchment itself was thoughtfully considered, chosen to be of fine quality and sized to fit the very lectern from which our Torah is read.
The fulfillment of this mitzvah was lovingly carried out by the donor’s grandchildren following the donor’s recent death, bringing this vision to life for Temple Beth Ami and future generations.
Above all, this Torah was given in tribute. The donor chose to honor their dear friend and teacher, Rabbi Jack Luxemburg, whose teaching and personal example opened the doors of Torah and inspired a lifelong connection to Jewish learning and practice.
Once completed, this new Torah will be a reminder that these sacred scrolls are more than parchment and ink. It will be a living legacy that binds past, present, and future generations of Temple Beth Ami.
How to Be Part of the Remarkable L’Dor V’Dor Torah & Giving Opportunities
We are thrilled to offer a rare and amazing opportunity to be part of our L’Dor V’Dor Torah. Through this program, each participant will contribute to the creation of our new Torah that will be used in all of Temple Beth Ami’s celebrations, including Bar and Bat Mitzvah, holidays, and Shabbat services. There is something truly special about reading from a Torah you helped bring to life.
Every donation, regardless of level, includes a unique experience: you will fill in one letter by holding the hand of our sofer as he scribes it in the Torah. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect directly to the sacred tradition of Torah writing and leave a lasting legacy in our community.
Giving Levels
Participation opportunities begin at $118 per household, with many additional ways to dedicate specific parts of the Torah. Please see the gifting levels below.
Click here to participate and give now.
All Sofer Dates
⚠️ Important: Two-Step Process: To reserve your time with the sofer, you must complete your donation first. Once your gift is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to sign up for your preferred date and time slot. You cannot register for a time slot without first completing your donation.
Participants will have the exceptional opportunity to fill in their letters on one of the following dates:
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Torah Dedication & Celebration
Once the Torah is complete, we will celebrate its incredible dedication and honor Rabbi Emeritus Jack Luxemburg during Shabbat services on June 5th. At this service, the brand-new Torah, created just for Temple Beth Ami, will be formally presented to the community. All are invited to attend this historic and joyous celebration.
This is an extraordinary chance to be part of a spiritual and historic moment — an enduring connection from generation to generation, L’Dor V’Dor.
Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help on our scribing days welcome our community to the lobby and facilitate activities while they wait to have their time with the Torah and scribe. Sign up here.
Torah Dedication Giving Levels
Join us in writing a sacred legacy
| Giving Level | Gift Amount | What It Represents | What You Receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| OtLetter | $118 | One sacred letter in the Torah |
|
| PasukVerse | $360 | A verse of your choice with personal meaning (unlimited donors per verse) | All Ot benefits, plus:
|
| PerekChapter / Key Moment | $1,800 | A chapter, key moment, or story of your choice with personal meaning (unlimited donors per key moment/story) | All Pasuk benefits, plus:
|
| ParashahPortion | $3,600 | A Torah portion of your choice with personal meaning (unlimited donors per portion) | All Perek benefits, plus:
|
| SeferSacred Book | $10,000+ | An Entire Book of the Torah | All Parashah benefits, plus:
|
One sacred letter in the Torah
- Participate by filling in a letter with the Sofer
- Photo of the experience
- Name listed among participants in the communal Torah dedication event materials
A verse of your choice with personal meaning (unlimited donors per verse)
All Ot benefits, plus:
- Commemorative certificate of your chosen verse
A chapter, key moment, or story of your choice (unlimited donors per key moment/story)
All Pasuk benefits, plus:
- Framed commemorative certificate of your key moment/story
- Invitation to a special reception at Rabbi Pokras’ home
- Name added to a future wall plaque
A Torah portion of your choice with personal meaning (unlimited donors per portion)
All Perek benefits, plus:
- Celebration dinner with Rabbi Luxemburg prior to June 5th dedication service
An Entire Book of the Torah
All Parashah benefits, plus:
- Private viewing of the new Torah with Rabbi Pokras