Tracing resilience: Sumter’s Temple Sinai unveils journey of Czech Torah scroll in exhibit opening Aug. 18
In a tribute to the enduring spirit of Jewish heritage, Temple Sinai will open the Czechoslovakia to Sumter: The Story of a Torah Scroll's Journey to Survive the Holocaust exhibit, unfolding the remarkable saga of the Czech Torah scroll No. 848 as it found a new home in Sumter.
Temple Sinai Jewish History Center presents a timeline of how these sacred scrolls bore witness to the flourishing, destruction and revival of the Jewish community surrounding the tumultuous era of World War II.
The roots of Jewish life in Czechia stretches back to the 10th century, and by the early 18th century, Jews made up a quarter of Czech society. By March 1939, seven months before the start of World War II, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Czechoslovakia, and the once prosperous Jewish communities were in danger. The Torah Scrolls, known as "the silent witnesses," shoulder the harrowing stories of the past, sharing them across continents until they found homes in various cities, including Sumter.
Scripted in 1880, scroll No. 848 originated from the Bohemian town of Mladá Voice. The town, once home to more than 150 Jewish residents, dwindled to 63 by 1930. After World War II, no Jews or synagogues remained. Today, at a population of about 2,700, there are no traces of the Jewish community, according to Temple Sinai. The Jewish cemetery is maintained by the Jewish community in nearby Prague, more than one hour away.
From Prague, the Torah arrived in London, adorning a velvet binder, hand sewn by the donor's family in 1800.
"Donated by Meir with his wife Rezl for their son Zelke Mendel born 17 Heshvn 5561 (Nov. 5, 1800)" reads the embroidered binder, according to the Temple.
Out of the 1,564 scrolls sent to London, only 400 wore binders, according to the College of Charleston's Special Collections. Sumter's Temple Sinai received Torah scroll No. 848 in 1972 and in January of the following year dedicated it in memory of Rabbi J. Aaron Levy, who served the Temple for more than two decades.
The fruition of the exhibit was a labor of love and passion by those closely associated with Temple Sinai. After endless discussions, expansive research and diligent writing, the exhibit would not have been possible without the hard work of Leeam Stein, who wrote the majority of the exhibit's curated panels; Rabbi Josef Germaine, who expanded on the value of this artifact in Sumter; Annie Rivers, executive director of Sumter County Museum and Temple Sinai Jewish History Center; and Diana Roof, site manager and outreach coordinator for Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.
The panels curated with timeless information will aid attendees on a journey through the trials and tribulations of the Jewish community, from the point of view of the sacred artifact. Torah scroll No. 848 will be on display, enclosed in a glass case, its inscriptions and historical elegance preserved for all to see. Attendees can also examine its ornamental companions, which include: the breastplate (tas), once interchangeable to indicate which Torah was rolled; the mantle, which covers and protects the Torah scroll; the gartel, used to tie the scroll; the Crowns of Learning (keter), its tinkling bells used to announce the entrance of the Torah; and the finger of God (yad or pointer), used by the reader as a guide as it is read.
Doors to the moving exhibit will open at the Jewish History Center, 11 Church St., on Friday, Aug. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit will remain open during its normal business hours until the end of January 2024, with guided tours available by contacting Roof at (803) 773-2122.
Temple Sinai invites the public to immerse themselves in the experience and trace the resilience of the Jewish community.
"Whenever the word Holocaust is mentioned, one automatically thinks of the mass extermination of men, women and children," wrote Germaine for the exhibit. "Here, before your eyes, is the silent witness to the survival of the people - despite any attempt to its annihilation."