ON A RECENT FRIDAY MORNING IN DEAL, NJ, A BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION TOOK PLACE AT OHEL YAACOB SYNAGOGUE, A TORAH DEDICATION IN MEMORY OF CHIEF RABBI SHAUL J. KASSIN A”H, AND IN HONOR OF HIS WIFE RAABANIT FRIEDA KASSIN, TWO LEGENDS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
The Torah was the idea of Steven Sorscher, Rabbi Kassin’s grandson, who gave a moving speech, which brought many to tears. He related that whenever he and his grandfather would go to a Torah Dedication, Rabbi Kassin would lift the Torah. If it was unwieldy, he would say, ‘This Torah is too heavy.’ But if it was light, he loved it, because it was easy to carry. That’s why Steven wanted to create a one-of-a-kind, extra light Torah. He knew his grandfather would definitely approve.
The Torah was a gift from all of Rabbi Kassin’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the children of Eli and Rita Esses A”H—Victor, Adam and David.
Adam Esses gave a speech, in which he said, “Chacham Shaul always made me feel like one of his grandchildren. He taught us that as you grow older, you discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and one for helping others. We learned to give our all, do good deeds, and soon it came naturally.”
It was a lovely event and some very special people helped make it a success. Abie Sorscher did a fabulous job as emcee. Chief Rabbi Shaul J. Kassin, Rabbi Shaul M. Kassin, Rabbi David Maslaton, Rabbi Eli Mansour, and Rabbi Joey Srour made emotional speeches, as did Jacob S. Kassin.
Many talented men were responsible for making the Torah. Rabbi Mordechai Shayo from Israel chose the parchment and wrote the Torah, Rabbi Arking our famous NJ soffer and Rabbi Teherani filled in the last letters, to complete
it. Mr. Avi Luviton crafted the exquisite Torah case in Italy, assembled it in Israel and made sure that the front of the case resembled the robe that Chacham Shaul wore. Rabbi Joey Srour chose the passuk to write on the outside of the Torah, Rabbi Victor Harrari helped with communications in Israel and brought the Torah from Israel to Brooklyn. Abe Sorscher handled logistics with Susan Sorscher, Charles from Zami Caterers provided the delicious food that was served, and DJ Stan, Rabbi Kassin’s great-grandson, provided the music.
Steven Sorscher told the crowd that the Torah will reside in the midrash in Shaare Zion, were his grandfather loved to pray, and concluded the event with these beautiful words, “Finally, I’d like to thank our Nani, Raabanit Frieda Kassin for building this wonderful family, and keeping us strong and together. Our family would not be what it is today without all the hard work you and Papa did.
