This past Sunday, July 6, the Hillcrest community came together in a remarkable display of kavod haTorah as the Manshary family dedicated a new sefer Torah to the Young Israel of Hillcrest in memory of their loved ones, including their grandmother, Tziporah bas Esther a”h, fulfilling a dream she had always hoped would come true.
The day began at the Manshary home on 69th Avenue, where relatives, friends, and neighbors gathered for the writing of the final letters. It was a scene of heartfelt emotion and meaningful connection, as guests had the rare merit of helping complete a sacred Torah scroll.
Speaking on behalf of his wife Tali, Shmuel Manshary shared that the sefer Torah was dedicated to honor the legacy of their loved ones who gave selflessly to others and uplifted all those around them. “She wanted to continue doing all the good she used to do for the neighborhood and the family,” Shmuel expressed of their matriarch, explaining how this Torah would now serve as a continuation of that devotion.
With the permission of the NYPD, Queens Shmira volunteers proudly led the procession through the streets of Hillcrest, assisting with traffic and public safety so the community could focus fully on the celebration. Along the route, the Torah was joyfully escorted with dancing and music, making special stops at the Hillcrest Torah Center and Kehilat Avodat Hashem before arriving at the Young Israel of Hillcrest.
Among the speakers at the seudas mitzvah was Rabbi Mendy Sternbach, shliach of Chabad of Nigeria in Lagos. Rabbi Sternbach inspired the crowd with reflections on the power of Torah to uplift, unify, and radiate blessing throughout the world. “The brachah of am Yisrael brings blessing and peace to the entire world,” he said, emphasizing that a Torah dedicated with sincerity and love elevates us all.
As the Torah was carried under the chupah, which was provided as a courtesy of the family’s business endeavors, ProX Performance Gear and VIP Pro Audio, and accompanied by spirited song and dance, a participant remarked, “We raise the Torah – this is how we prepare for the g’ulah.” It was a sentiment that captured the tone of the entire event.
The lavish seudah, uplifted by the energetic melodies of DJ Avraham, was a moment of joy for the entire neighborhood.
As the new sefer Torah was brought into the Young Israel of Hillcrest, it was embraced with love and pride as it joined the other Sephardic sifrei Torah already housed in the dedicated minyan room in the synagogue’s lower level. The impact of this day will continue to echo in Hillcrest for years to come, as a lasting tribute to the enduring power of Torah.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
