Julie Seltzer is one of the first women Torah scribes (soferet) in history. She has written four complete Torah scrolls; has taught about calligraphy, Torah repair, and sacred writing to numerous congregations all over the United States; and has done repair and preservation work on many Torahs.
Join us for a weekend with Julie as she teaches us about her craft, how she came to be a soferet, the basics of Torah preservation, some calligraphy practice, and more! As part of her weekend here, Julie will also be doing some preservation work on our Torahs, adding another milestone (being worked on by a female scribe) to their storied histories.
Registration will open shortly so that we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. All events are free.
Erev Shabbat Service
Friday, February 28, 7:00pm
Julie will join us for Erev Shabbat services to speak a bit on her craft.
Shabbat Sustenance – The Font of Revelation: Evolution of Hebrew Scripts
Saturday, March 1, 9:00am
Join us in person for a special Shabbat morning!
Torah script, called Ashurit, did not exist at the time tradition places the revelation of Torah at Sinai. The earliest Hebrew scripts are actually unrecognizable to Hebrew readers today. This class explores the development of Hebrew scripts, from pictograph to alphabet, as well as how the rabbis of the Talmud dealt with the historical conundrum of the holy script.
As always, there will be bagels and coffee!
Lunch & Learn – Inside the Scribe’s Studio: How Torah Scrolls are Made
Sunday, March 2, 12:30pm
What is sacred writing, and what goes into the making of a Torah scroll? Learn about the process of sacred writing, including the material elements such as ink, parchment, writing instruments, and letter formation, as well as the more spiritual elements, such as kavana – intention. Participants will have the opportunity to look inside a Torah scroll and experience it from a whole new perspective.
