Temple Sinai, MA, event January 31st for 'Light Beyond the Shadows'
MST Volunteer, Sheila Pallay’s evocative book focuses on history, future of Jewish life in the former Czechoslovakia
Touching a 250-year-old Torah scroll rescued from the Shoah launched Sheila Pallay on a life-changing journey that culminated with the recent publication by Memorial Scrolls Trust of her collectible new book, Light Beyond the Shadows: The Legacy of the Czech Torah Scrolls and the Renewal of Jewish Life in Czechia.
The experience began in 2015 when Pallay’s congregation, Temple Sinai of Sharon, undertook a year-long restoration of MST Torah scroll 655, one of 1,564 Czech scrolls entrusted to the Memorial Scrolls Trust (MST) in London in 1964. Using her photographic skills to document her synagogue’s restoration of its Torah inspired Pallay to volunteer for the MST and undertake a 13-week journey to the places in Bohemia and Moravia where Jewish communities once thrived.
Pallay and co-author/genealogist Julius Müller’s recently published volume contains hundreds of the 2,000+ images taken by Pallay during their 4-month travels through the former towns and places where Jewish communities once thrived. The photographs depict the depth and breadth of Jewish life eradicated by Naziism and hate. In addition, Pallay’s richly colored images provide a hopeful look at the new Jewish communities arising in modern-day Czechia as well as memorials to the Jews created by Czechian communities because, “it is the right thing to do.”
Essays by Sofer STaM Rabbi Kevin Hale, Temple Sinai Rabbi Joseph Meszler, Memorial Scrolls Trust Chairman Jeffrey Ohrenstein, and others, add texture to this evocative volume.
A Zoom panel discussion about the book will be hosted by Temple Sinai on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 1:00 pm EST. The program will feature co-authors Pallay and Müller, MST Trustee Lois Roman, and photographs from the book.
On Sunday, February 7, 2021, at 1:00 pm EST, Temple Sinai will host an online screening and live discussion of the documentary film, Commandment 613, about the sacred work of Torah scribe Rabbi Kevin Hale. Filmmakers Miriam Lewin and Randi Ceccine will be on hand to discuss the movie along with Pallay and Rabbi Hale.
The programs are free, but pre-registration with Temple Sinai is required. To sign up or for more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Your generous donation is welcome. To purchase a copy of Light Beyond the Shadows, go to Temple Sinai's PayPal or mail your check to Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, Sharon, MA 02067, Attn: Light Beyond the Shadows.
Proceeds from the book’s sale will be donated to Temple Sinai of Sharon and the MST.
This and other books are available also from MST's online shop
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