Conservative Synagogue Presents Torah Scroll to Black Jewish Congregation

Philadelphia’s only black Jewish congregation, Adath Emeth Israel, was presented with a Torah scroll from members of the Har Zion Temple, the city’s largest Conservative synagogue at a special ceremony held here Sunday. The ceremony celebrated the recent acquisition of a synagogue building for the black congregation which previously had been housed in rented temporary quarters. The gift of the Sefer Torah. a parchment scroll containing the first five books of the Bible, meticulously inscribed by hand, culminated friendly overtures between the two congregations over a period of several months. Adath Emeth Israel, which has approximately 100 constituents, has in the past also received prayer books from the 1700-member Har Zion Temple. The theme of Brotherhood was emphasized by Rabbi Gerald I. Wolpe, spiritual leader of Har Zion, Rudolph Windsor, leader of Adar Emeth Israel, and Rabbi Jeremiah Yisrael, a black leader from New York City, all of whom addressed the congregation. “The presentation of this Torah is part of the dialogue between two communities.” Rabbi Wolpe said.

“Concerned with the message of the Torah to the world, we are trying to translate its guide in our daily lives,” Rabbi Wolpe continued. “It is our hope that this will be but the beginning of a bridge of understanding that will aid in solving the tragic gap between races in our society. It is a moment of great spiritual and historical importance.” Acknowledging the gift. Mr. Windsor told the audience, “The Sefer Torah presentation is a ceremonial which links two Jewish congregations in brotherhood. It is a truly historic occasion, a sign of the times. It united black and white Jews who especially want their religion to remain alive in the minds and hearts of their children.”