Community members of a neighborhood synagogue in Petersburg rejoiced at the inauguration of a new Torah Scroll right before Rosh Hashanah. The new scroll, written specifically for the “On Moskovsky” local community, was welcomed in a colorful traditional celebration, rarely seen on the grey streets of Petersburg’s Moskovsky district.

“The celebration was exceptionally fun and joyous! This is the first Torah Scroll of our own, so we made it count,” said rabbi Shmuel Chitrik, the head of the synagogue. The writing of the inaugurated scroll began in February, and throughout the seven months it took to complete, every member of the congregation had the opportunity to acquire a word, a page or even a weekly Torah portion in his name.

The celebration in the synagogue itself was preceded by a ‘Torah parade’ around the neighborhood accompanied by a boys’ marching band, singing and dancing.