Leiby Kleztky, an 8-year-old boy who went missing and was later found dead. (New York State Division of Criminal Justice)
A Borough Park group is raising money to dedicate a Torah scroll in memory of 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky, who was killed after he was abducted on his way home from day camp last week.
The organization, Misaskim, has been helping the boy's family with funeral arrangements and managing the large flow of visitors coming to the Kletzky apartment to offer condolences.
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, from Misaskim, said dedicating a Torah scroll is a traditional way of honoring the deceased.
"We believe that every soul goes to heaven, and everything that's done in their merit brings the soul to a higher level," Silber said, "whether it's studying Torah, giving a Torah scroll or good deeds. All of these things bring the deceased to a higher level."
He said Misaskim got the idea, because one of the speakers at Kletzky's funeral referred to the boy as "a living Torah."
"This was a tragedy that struck millions all across the world," Silber said. "And we felt there was no better way to pay tribute to this 'living Torah,' than actually perpetuate his memory and writing another Torah scroll in his memory."
Torah scrolls are written by hand on animal-skin parchment, by scribes called sofers. Scrolls take months to complete and can cost from $25,000 to $50,000. Silber said donations have been coming from around the world, from both Jews and non-Jews.
Silber declined to say how much has been donated since the campaign began last Friday, but described it as "a significant amount."
He said the scroll would not be used in a synagogue, per se, but would remain with Misaskim, and organization members would bring it to different houses of mourning.
Traditional Jews receive guests for seven days following the death of a close family member. They hold brief services three times a day – several of which can involve reading directly from a Torah scroll.
Levi Aron, 35, is accused of abducting and brutally killing the boy. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered to have a psychiatric evaluation.
Fred Mogul has been covering healthcare and medicine for WNYC since 2002. His beat takes him to hospitals, community clinics, doctors offices, health agencies, public schools and research labs across the metropolitan area. His work has appeared on NPR and in the New York Times, Time magazine and Philadelphia Inquirer, among others.
Comments [1]
May G-D Bless Leiby Kletzky and his Family! There are no words.. What can I say? May Your Memories of Leiby's Life with the Family Bring You Comfort. May G-D Bless You and Protect You! May Leiby's Beautiful Soul Be Lifted To The HIGHEST PLACE IN G-D's Kingdom.
With Sympathy & Love,
Robin & Hayley Zarzana
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