By Robert Kalfus–photos (c) Robert Kalfus 2019
Brothers Izzy and David Schwartz and their families dedicated a new Torah written in loving memory of their parents, Frida and William Schwartz, and donated the new Torah to the Chabad of Yonkers/Greystone Jewish Center on July 14.
“This was an event not to be missed – the first dedication of a new Torah to our community in the past 60 years,” said Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz.
Hurwitz first met Frida and William Schwartz when, as a 13-year-old yeshiva student, he and others were sent by the last Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, to assist Jews to perform additional good deeds. The young Hurwitz went with other students to various businesses, knocking on doors seeking Jews to encourage them to put on tefillin.
One Friday in 1996, he entered the Abco Steel Door Company on Third Avenue in the Bronx and was greeted by a large picture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. He knew he had found the right place!
With Hurwitz’ help and encouragement, Abco Steel Door company founder William Schwartz started to regularly put on tefillin and recite blessings.
“No matter how busy it was at the factory, your father never skipped putting on tefillin,” said Hurwitz, addressing their children and grandchildren present at the Torah dedication. “Things can be tense in manufacturing, but your mother Frida was always able to calm things, with a smile, with a comment. From that time, your father never stopped putting on tefillin.”
William and Frida’s sons Izzy and Barry later joined their parents working at the company.
“When we were teaching Bar Mitzvah classes, your father, William, asked about the cost of a Torah,” continued Hurwitz. “I explained that we needed an additional Torah, and (despite the expense) your father said, ‘One day when I am able, you will get an additional Torah.’ And the entire Schwartz family joined in and today made that day happen. Your parents, Frida and William, are definitely looking down today from Heaven, from the Garden of Eden, joining us in dedicating this Torah in their honor. Frida and William, both Holocaust survivors from Romania, are helping us grow Judaism here in Yonkers”.
Hurwitz noted that “Izzy’s Hebrew name Yisroel contained the last letter in the Torah, lamed, which combined with the Torah’s first letter, bet, reversed, spell lev, heart, meaning that when one follows the Torah’s teachings with their heart, HaShem gives you back all the blessings.” Israel (Izzy) Schwartz, William’s son, then started writing the last word in the Torah, which is his name – Yisroel, guided by the hand of Torah scribe Rabbi Yitzhok Raskin of Machon Stam.
Other family members completed writing the remaining letters of the new Torah, along with members of the congregation and community. After checking that the ink had dried, Izzy Schwartz, in a lengthy display, raised the Torah and displayed the Torah parchment and letters.
Grandson Barry Schwartz rolled the Torah closed and covered it with a new cover, memorializing their parents and family. Ted Goetz, a Chabad of Yonkers member, placed a new silver crown on the Torah that he and his wife, Donna, commissioned in memory of his father, Gustav Goetz, and her father, David Martin.
Under a deep blue canopy held high and escorted by Yeshiva Mesivta Menachem students, Izzy Schwartz cradled the new Torah and led the procession of Torahs in a joyous circle around the synagogue, accompanied by live music and singing – similar to the joy and ceremony of Simchat Torah, the Jewish holiday of Rejoicing in the Torah. He was aided by his brother David Schwartz, who brought the new Torah into the Greystone Jewish Center.
Songs of celebration and joy were followed by a smorgasbord of food and words of Torah.
Contact the Chabad of Yonkers/Greystone Jewish Center for upcoming activities, Friday night Shabbat services and dinners, Hebrew school and Bar Mitzvah preparation, Shabbat morning services, and holiday services, at www.JewishYonkers.com or 914-963-8888.
