Unique Torah Scroll Inspires, Delights at WFHA
Simchat Torah took on a special meaning at Westchester Fairfield Hebrew Academy this year as students and staff celebrated with a unique Torah scroll that was recently given as a gift to the school.
The illustrated 80-foot scroll, created by Israeli artist Michal Meron, highlights each weekly Torah portion using colorful panes, and Hebrew and English text.
The engaging work of art, mounted on wooden Torah rollers, is fully interactive. Each week the Visual Torah is scrolled so that all may view the proper reading for that week.
"This was such a significant donation, not only monetarily and not only as the start of artwork acquisition for our campus, but this particular choice - the teachings of Torah brought to life-is what our school is all about," said WFHA Head of School Nora Anderson.
"This beautiful work of art will teach and inspire for generations to come," Anderson said.
Students of all ages, as well as staff and visitors, have all been intrigued as they walk into the entrance of WFHA's lower school, where the illustrated Torah is prominently mounted in a Lucite case.
"Kids and adults alike are going up and looking to see what the artist chose to highlight each week, and how," said Erica Sokoloff, WFHA's Director of Jewish Life.
"It is a very meaningful work of art because when you walk into our building Torah is first and foremost," she said. "So much of the mission of our school is embodied in this work of art, because what we are doing is not just teaching Torah, but living the acts of Torah and doing it in such creative ways."
During Simchat Torah celebrations, the vibrant scroll was unrolled so the children could see it in its entirety.
"Teachers are marveling at the educational opportunities this magnificent work of art will afford our students," said Amy Erani, WFHA's Director of Judaic Studies. "It is concrete representation of many of the Torah's narratives and life lessons."
"Placing the Visual Torah in our lobby reinforces two important central Jewish values to our school," Erani said. "The first is the centrality of Talmud Torah - learning and living Torah - in our school and in our lives. The second is the value of Hiddur Mitzva, or beautifying the mitzva, by finding ways to enhance and deepen our practice of mitzvot."