With the Jewish High Holidays approaching, a season marked by introspection, renewal, and community, this story about Torahs offers a timely reflection. The Torah, more than a sacred text, serves as a symbol of enduring tradition and shared identity. Whether paraded joyfully during Simchat Torah or read solemnly in synagogue, each scroll carries generations of meaning. This narrative highlights how these ancient texts continue to inspire connection and continuity across Jewish communities today. This story is part one of a Torah Story series.

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From Heart to Scroll: The Alkobi Family’s Spiritual Tribute

In Israel, a Sofer, also known as a religious scribe, wrote a Torah scroll specifically for Chabad Lubavitch of Indianapolis. The Alkobi family commissioned this scroll in memory of their late mother, Susan Shoshana Alkobi. Her faith and devotion to Judaism are now honored by this meaningful mitzvah.

Shirley Alkobi, Susan's daughter-in-law, says donating the Torah to Chabad means the world to her, her husband Saar, and their four children Lynne, 20, Tahlia, 19, Yonatan, 15, David, 12.

“She is still a big part of us and always will be,” Shirley said of her late mother-in-law. “She was a mother to me, a mentor, Indiana's community grandma, and everyone knew her and admired her.”

The Torah was a big part of Susan’s life and she felt very connected to the mitzvah of a torah. When Saar’s dad, Raphel, passed away in 2013, Susan dedicated a Torah in his memory in Israel, so an honor for the Alkobi family to donate a Torah in Susan’s memory is now a meaningful tradition.

“Saar is very involved with the Jewish community and Chabad,” Shirley said. “He influences a lot of people in our community and this torah will impact so many people.”

To recognize this remembrance and a new chapter for the community, a celebration was held on Jerusalem Day, Yom Yerushalayim, in May. During the Torah dedication, dozens of people walked a mile along 96th Street from the Alkobi family’s home in Summerlakes to Chabad. There was a lot of dancing, singing, and music at this incredible gathering. Attendees were extremely cheerful and lively as they followed the Torah along the path.

“It was a truly beautiful event,” said Chabad Rabbi Avi Grossbaum.

This was the first time the Alkobi’s participated in a Torah dedication, and Shirley says it was very special that she was able to participate in it with her entire family.

Shirley looks forward to watching the torah be used at Chabad, especially in January 2026 when her son David becomes a bar mitzvah.

“He will read from this Torah, and it will feel like he is reading with his grandmother,” she said.