On a gorgeous, warm Sunday morning, a Torah dedication and reception were held at the home of Beatrice and Robert Dweck. The Sefer Torah was dedicated in memory of Doris Dweck A”H and Edward M. Dweck A”H. It was also dedicated in honor of Rabbi Raymond Harari, the Rabbi of Kol Israel Synagogue and Dr. Joel Wolowelsky, a family friend and teacher at Yeshivah of Flatbush.

The reception was attended by many members of the synagogue, friends and family. Everyone then walked the Torah to Kol Israel Synagogue on Bedford and Avenue K, singing and embracing the Torah the entire time. It might have been only five blocks from the Dweck’s home to the synagogue, but everyone present took their time, lingering, holding on to every moment that accompanied the special event.

It was really a special sight to see, when the new Torah, with all the people accompanying it, was greeted outside the shul by the rest of the Torahs that will sit in the Aron of the synagogue alongside it.

In his speech, Mathew Dweck spoke about the wonderful people the Torah was dedicated in honor and memory of. “These four special people played vital roles in the lives of each member of my family and are held very dear to us all.”

He spoke about Rabbi Harari and said, “Eleven years ago Rabbi Harari joined the Kol Israel family. He embraced our family and led us with love and, most importantly, understanding, from the moment that he entered our lives.” He said of Dr. Wolowolesky, “You have not only changed our lives, but the lives of our children and grandchildren.”

He spoke about his father, Edward Dweck A”H, and the lessons he learned from him. “My father’s whole life was based upon justice and doing what was right. He was respectful and held himself to the highest of standards.”

Of his stepfather, Robert Dweck, Matthew said, “You are a true inspiration to me. You hold such virtues and values that I hope to live up to and to raise my family by.”
This Simchat Torah was an especially memorable one for the Dweck family. They danced, and watched as others got enjoyment from holding and dancing with the Torah they dedicated.
____________
Annie Lubin is studying journalism at Brooklyn College and is a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.