COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dozens gathered in Columbia for a "Unity Torah" ceremony in response to the war in Israel.
The spirit of resilience was on full display Sunday at the Chabad of South Carolina. Rabbi Levi Marrus said it represents centuries of Jewish history.
"The Torah is the holiest object that we have. The Torah is actually very similar to the human body; the Torah has a soul, it has the letters."
Following the attacks in Israel in October, Marrus said he wanted a way to raise money and awareness.
Families could donate money to have a letter or a Hebrew word in the Torah, with the funds being donated to ambulances and aid in Israel.
"We offered the community the opportunity to purchase a letter. There are 300,000 plus letters in the Torah, so we were completely fine with the number, and we had people purchase a letter in the Torah."
Marrus said the past month has been heartbreaking for him and his community.
"It's a very difficult time for the community. As a rabbi, I'm noticing the incredible despair, the sadness, and the waves of hardship," he said. "We realized what is happening now in Israel is not just a battle. It's a spiritual war, and therefore, we need to respond spiritually. How do you respond spiritually? By becoming a better person."
On Sunday, dozens of families came together to see the Torah finish being written. It was paraded after completion.
With love, Marrus believes the Jewish community can endure another historically challenging period.
"Resilience is the word; resilience is the key word to Judaism," he said. "Do not be afraid. That's something that we need to remember, that resilience, that strength, that inner strength; we need to remind ourselves, and we need to remind our children and our families, and we need to remind each other and be there for each other. When good people stand up and exude light, darkness will disappear."
In total, the Chabad of South Carolina raised over $3,000 for Israeli aid.
