The Torah Scrolls of Cornwall

For some time we had been conducting services on a regular basis in Truro. During the reading of the Torah portion we would use different versions of the Chumash. (My own copy is the Margolin edition.) We did not, however, have our own Torah Scroll and this issue was raised when Sir Sigmund Sternberg came to Cornwall earlier this year. He asked us if we had a Torah scroll for use on Shabbat and we said "No… but there is a scroll in Truro Museum." "You must get hold of it then," he said. "It is so important for Jews to have a Torah Scroll for services."

With this as my inspiration I wrote to the Director of The Royal Institute of Cornwall, Caroline Dudley to ask if we, as a community would be able to make use of the Torah Scroll housed in the Museum. Ms Dudley phoned me some time later to say that my request would be put to a meeting of the council for the Museum, which would take place in October.

In the meantime I arranged with the librarian at the museum to view the Torah Scroll. It was quite something to see the Scroll, which, though in a somewhat dilapidated condition was still clearly readable. There is, however, considerable damage to both scroll supports - some has been completely eaten away by woodworm. The librarian assured me that this had now been treated and would not deteriorate any further. She also advised me that a Mr Jacobs had given the scroll, together with four or five other smaller scrolls to the museum in about 1898. There was no documentation available to suggest that a) he had the authority to hand over scrolls which presumably belonged to the then Jewish community or b) whether he intended the scrolls to be stored in the museum until such time as the Jewish community in Cornwall was reformed. The librarian also informed me that the scrolls had been kept in the appropriate storage for such artefacts thus enabling their survival into the 21st century. She is certainly very protective of the scrolls and feels that while they are in the museum they are in safe hands.

She also allowed me to take some photographs of the larger scroll which I have place here for viewing.

Following the council meeting I telephoned Ms Dudley to ask about the decision concerning the scroll. Although I have not yet had anything in writing the position, as I understand it is that we, as a community, may use the scroll for special occasions and services, but due to the present condition of the scroll it would still have to be kept in the museum. The museum officers are also willing for me to take the scroll to London to see if it can be repaired in some way - without impairing its "historicity". This is what I intend to do at some point in the future. Keep your eyes on the website to see how this situation develops.

Harvey Kurzfield

Torah Scroll Update

Over the last few months we have been blessed with some memorable moments. As most of you know by now a party of Kehillat Kernow members drove to Exeter for the Erev Shavuot service at Exeter Synagogue. During the wonderful service the generous Hebrew congregation of Exeter presented us with a Torah Scroll. When I went up to receive the scroll I felt a huge surge of emotion, which I hope was shared amongst those of you who were there in the synagogue. Each time we use the scroll now there seems to be an extra dimension to our own services. I have written officially to Frank Gent and Tony Reese, but would like to express, once again, our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Exeter Hebrew congregation. Harvey Kurzfield September 2004