The Benzaquen Torah Scroll

Having only written a select few Torah scrolls, this being Rabbi Benzaquen's sixth and most assuredly last, makes it especially precious and unique.

Although Rabbi Benzaquen initiated the writing himself, he was unable to continue and complete it due to eyesight problems. Although Rabbi Benzaquen recently underwent a cataract operation, he nonetheless has resignedly limited himself to the reading of the Torah and its commentaries but not to writing.

And so, after having completed over three quarters of the scroll, Rabbi Benzaquen reluctantly handed the job of completing it over to his son, Rabbi Elie Benzaquen, who is putting the final touches to a magnificent work created with painstaking skill.

ABOUT THE SCROLL

The forms of the letters are based on the Ashkenaz tradition, with the amendments of the AriZal. The Torah is inscribed upon Aleph/ Aleph, or the highest grade of quality parchment. Made from the hide of a kosher animal, this parchment is pure and uncoated, and will last for centuries to come. Following his immersion in ritual waters, the scribe is obliged to retain a high level of concentration and intention when writing, so that the required Divine holiness permeates each letter.

ABOUT THE SCRIBE

Rabbi Joseph Benzaquen is highly respected in his present capacity as founder and director of the Heritage of Jacob Institute of Higher Studies located in Caracas, Venezuela. Rabbi Benzaquen is the elder in the Benzaquen family of a number of brothers, respected Rabbis serving the communities of Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami and Caracas, all eminent in Rabbinic circles.

Rabbi Benzaquen's son, Rabbi Elie Benzaquen, although trained as a rabbi and scribe, has chosen fine art, computer and traditional animation as his main occupation. He has been slowly laboring over the Torah Scroll for over four years, bringing it to completion.

Rabbi Elie Benzaquen wrote an article for The Canadian Jewish News that appeared as a feature in the September 22 issue, 1996 regarding the difficult and laborious task of transcribing a Torah. He was also featured on the cover of The Ottawa Citizen in the December 29, 1996 issue regarding the chain and link connection between the older scribe and the younger successor, as it relates to Rabbi Elie completing the work begun by Rabbi Joseph.

ABOUT THE BID

If you are interested in placing a bid to purchase `Torah Scroll VI' you may send your offer via E-mail along with your name, synagogue, address, and telephone number. All correspondence will be held in the utmost confidentiality. You may prefer to speak over the phone to Rabbi Elie Benzaquen, and may do so at (613) 523-0279. All discussions and arrangements are directly with him. No agent or agent commissions will be added.

Bidding begins at US$ 29,900. A decision on the acceptance of a bid will be made in the spring of '99, or sooner, should an outstanding bid be put forward. The price includes the handles, belt, and Torah cover. It does not include adornments or travel expenses for the scribes to be at the Torah completion and inauguration ceremony.