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86 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Chief Rabbis Participate in Writing New Borrowable Sefer Torah The past four Chief Rabbis of Israel: Hacham Ovadia Yosef shlita, Hacham Mordechai Eliyahu shlita, Hacham Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron shl- ita and current Chief Rabbi Hacham Shelomo Amar shlita, as well as other distinguished gedolim includ- ing Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita and Rav Shelomo Korah shlita, all participated in writing a letter in a unique sefer Torah. The new scroll, written in memory of Azizah bat Rachel Schweky a”h , on the occa- sion of the twelve-month anniver- sary of her passing, will be added to the religious articles lent out by Shaare Torah Va’hesed, an orga- nization that offers free lending of religious articles. The scroll was brought to Israel recently by Rabbi Uziel Admoni and Mr. Isaac Schweky so that the project may receive blessings from the leading Rabbis. The endeavor was warmly received, and many of the most distinguished Rabbis in Israel gave their enthusiastic sup- port and blessings and even partici- pated in the writing. Each parashah (section) of the Torah was sponsored by a donor who contributed towards the cost of writing that section, and a num- ber of verses are still available for sponsorship. The organization was founded in memory of Yafah Rachel bat Rav Ovadia and Miriam, and lends Torah scrolls and other religious articles to groups arranging prayer services for special occasions, such as family gatherings and Yom Tov celebrations. The formal induction of the Torah scroll is planned for Rosh Hodesh Nissan 5768, at the home of the primary sponsor Mr. Isaac Schweky, for whom the occasion will also mark twelve months since the passing of his wife Ida. The Torah is small and light- weight, allowing for easy transpor- tation and handling during travel. For more information about Shaare Torah Va’hesed, please call 718- 419-6703. Felder Expands Security Measures to Non-Public Schools Council Members Simcha Felder ( D - B r o o k l y n ) , Peter Vallone Jr.(D- Queens) and John Liu (D-Queens) announced legislation that would direct the Department of Education, upon request of the authori- ties, to provide children who attend non-public schools with security services made available to children attending public schools. Simple measures, such as the installa- tion of video cameras, can mean the difference between a safe school and an unfortunate tragedy. “In this time of heightened security awareness, we must do everything we can to ensure the safety of all our children,” Felder said. Liu stated: “The reality is that New York City is on the front lines in this war against terrorism, and it’s our responsibility to make sure that every New York school kid has a safe learning environment. This bill upholds our respon- sibility.” Shaare Torah Girls High School Eress Yisrael Expo On March 5th, the second floor of Yeshivat Shaare Torah Girls High School was trans- formed to resemble Eress Yisrael. It was so realistic that when one entered the reproduc- tions of the holy places, including Kever Rachel, the Synagogue of the Beit Yosef (Rav Yosef Karo), and the Ma’arat Hamachpela, she felt as if she were actually there. On the other side of the school stood Machane Yehuda, the Kotel, and exhibits on Shemittah and what life will be like in the times of Mashiah (may he come speedily in our days). The mother-daughter luncheon included a choir, dance performance, and inspiring slide show. Mrs. Carol Haber, high school dean, began the program by proudly congratulating the girls on the many hours that were spent during and after school to research, build, rehearse, and pack mishloah manot to sell to benefit maot hittim (money given to the poor for Passover). Mrs. Chana Sternbuch, the new Judaic Studies principal, explained that the Expo grew from a project on Shemittah (Sabbatical year), and the need to instill a strong connection and love of Eress Yisrael in the hearts of the girls. -Pnina Souid Community Chest L to R, Council Members John Liu (D-Queens), Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), Peter Vallone J r . Chief Rabbi Hacham Shelomo Amar shlita Chief Rabbi (Bnei Brak) Hacham Shelomo Korah shlita Chief Rabbi Hacham Ovadia Yosef shlita Chief Rabbi Hacham Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron shlita Harav Chaim Kanievsky shlita Chief Rabbi Hacham Mordechai Eliyahu shlita