New Orleans - Teen Marks Katrina Anniversary With Torah Gift

New Orleans - The philanthropic initiative of a Los Angeles teenager brought joy and solace to one storm-shattered New Orleans Jewish congregation when they received a gift a Sefer Torah.
"Although I haven't met all of you, you've been in my heart and hopes for the last year," Hayley Fields told about 200 congregants gathered for the dedication of a new Torah to the orthodox Jewish Congregation of Beth Israel.

A fund-raising drive spurred by the 14-year-old from Los Angeles led to the dedication of the holy scriptures. "What a way to commemorate one year following the hurricane," said Jackie Gothard, Beth Israel's president, whose eyes welled with tears as Hayley spoke. "This is truly a milestone in our recovery."
The anniversary of which will be marked Tuesday -- devastated Beth Israel's synagogue that was located on the city's Canal Street, about half a mile from a levee breach. Everything was destroyed, including about 3,000 prayer books and seven Torahs, many of them more than 100 years old. They were subsequently buried in the synagogue's cemetery, in accordance with Jewish tradition.

The dedicated Torah cloaked in blue velvet cloth with an inscription to Beth Israel sewn in gold thread, was hand-carried under a white canopy down a one-block stretch to Gates of Prayer Synagogue. About 50 people sang, danced, clapped and snapped photos as the two-man Panorama Jazz Band played lively, traditional music on a clarinet and an accordion.

Inside the hall, the Torah's wooden handles were dressed with the new crowns and the breast plate was placed over the fabric before the scriptures were placed in the ark. A few minutes later, the ark was reopened, the scroll removed, as the audience burst into song. "I feel so excited that I am able to participate in some say to help the New Orleans Jewish community," Hayley said. "Because of Katrina, some people lost hope and faith. A Torah is so important to providing hope and faith."