Torah to travel to Israel
Sacred scroll written to memorialize U.S. armed forces

The first Torah (Bible) scroll to be written exclusively to honor and memorialize members of the U.S. military will be dedicated at Chabad of Oxnard from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 10 at the Chabad Jewish Center, 3810 Channel Islands Blvd., (corner of Victoria Avenue at Fisherman's Wharf), Oxnard. This free event is open to the public.

The first letters of the Liberty Torah will be written by a Jewish scribe at the ceremony, timed to coincide on the evening of the fifth anniversary of 9/11.

The event will include prayers for the U.S. military and for world peace, live music, refreshments, and a hands-on Torah writing workshop for children.

The ceremony will end with a gala send-off as the Liberty Torah is taken to Israel for completion. The finished scroll will be returned to the Chabad of Oxnard Jewish Center for use in services.

The Liberty Torah was initiated by David and Edi Boxstein and family of Oxnard in honor of their son, Jonathan, who is currently serving in Iraq.

Those interested may sponsor the writing of a letter, word,

chapter or special selection in the Torah in honor or in memory of loved ones.

Dedication opportunities range from $1 per letter for a child to more than $10,000 for the sterling silver crown atop the wrapped scroll.

For more information, to RSVP for the event or for sponsorships, call (805) 382-4770 or visit www.LibertyTorah.com.