Historic Torah celebration in Islington

On Sunday, the 14th of September, three hundred people witnessed the completion of a Torah scroll at the Islington Town Hall, danced to live klezmer along Upper Street till the Chabad House, with the silver crowned Torah, surrounded by a fire canopy.

This historic moment of a Torah inauguration in the Borough, with quite likely the last time the streets of Islington witnessed such an event was over 100 years ago. Organised by Chabad Islington, the only Jewish institution in Islington, who are celebrating their 15th anniversary since founding.

The final letters were written inside the Islington Town Hall, where various members of the community were honoured to write a letter with the sofer (scribe). Michael Wegier from the Board of Deputies opened proceedings and The Dayan of the Federation, Rabbi S. Zimmerman wrote the first letter. Following the completion, the Torah was raised for all to see and then bedecked with a restored historic silver crown.

Councillor Sheila Champan, Executive Member for Equalities, Communities & Inclusion, shared words of greetings and congratulations to the community ‘It is especially important at this time when some people are trying to sow division, that we came together to visibly and joyfully celebrate events like this one’.

Rabbi Mendy Korer, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Islington, shared the Kabbalistic significance of completing a Torah, and recognising the support Islington Council provides to ensure that the Jewish community of Islington is at home, safe and thriving.

As the Torah was brought out to the street, there was an outpouring of joy and jubilation, with participants singing Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov (congratulations).

The Torah was dedicated in memory of Julian Young who was devoted to his Jewish faith. He was an internationally known lawyer with attitude, supporter of human rights and passionate Arsenal fan.

Once the Torah arrived at the Chabad House, participants enjoyed an endless buffet of bagels and drinks. Musical performances by pianist, flutists, cellist and an opera singer entertained. A new exhibition of the Ein Sof Gallery was opened with Orna Schnneerson Pascal's works on display.

The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Jason Jackson said 'what moves us most that the Torah was carried through the streets of Islington... may the words of the Torah not only inspire this generation, but those to come, guiding young people and families in enduring the values of the learning, justice and hope. In Islington we are proud that diversity is not just respected, but celebrated'. Representative of the Royal Family, the Deputy Lieutenant of Islington, Mr Paul Herbage MBE gave his congratulations and greetings.

The event was carefully monitored and escorted by CST and Islington Police.