A Torah dedication ceremony took place at the Tomb of Jesse and Ruth (Kever Yishai V’Rut) attesting to the growth of the community. “This is the first sefer Torah specifically written for the site,” stated Yishai Fleisher, international spokesperson for the Jewish community of Hebron who organized the event. A unique cover was designed for the Torah featuring images of the Tomb of Machpela and King David’s harp.
Tradition holds that King David’s father Jesse and great-grandmother Ruth were buried in Hebron and the site has been venerated by Jewish worshipers for generations. However in recent years the tomb was run down and crumbling. The site has undergone extensive renovation and now features well-maintained gardens and seating areas. The sefer Torah dedication took place on Hebron Day and is the latest in the rehabilitation of this neglected historic site. It was dedicated by Tomer and Basya Benshushan and Devorah Grinshtein.
The ceremony began at the new Beit Gaon Yehuda building which was recently purchased by the Harhivi Makom Ohalech organization in memory of local resident Yehuda Yahalom who fell in battle in Operation Swords of Iron.
The building is next to the Tel Hevron archeological park where ancient finds from Jewish life during the Second Temple Era are on display. Participants sang and danced with the Torah scroll as they marched from the archeological site to the Tomb of Jesse and Ruth.
There, the donors and others had the opportunity to fill in the final words of the Torah scroll, under the auspices of a trained scribe who lives in the neighborhood. Then the finished scroll was placed in the decorative cover and placed in the adjacent synagogue, in an old stone structure which researchers deduce was an ancient Byzantine synagogue.
After the Torah dedication, a large mezuzah was placed on the gate of the tomb area. The new mezuzah was unannounced to the participants and they were pleasantly surprised to see the giant mezuzah, over one meter high, affixed to the doorpost.
Following the ceremony, the participants were treated to a meal at the Gutnick Center in which Hebron pioneers such as Sarah Nachshon spoke. Among the participants were students from Machon Alte women’s seminary in Tzfat.
The new Torah scroll is the latest addition in rehabilitating the historic area to make it more welcoming for both visitors and residents. The Book of Ruth is traditionally read on the holiday of Shavuot which is taking place this week, and many arrive at the Tomb of Ruth and Jesse for the recitation. This year, the prayer services will be enhanced with the new Torah scroll, mezuzah and other improvements to the site.
