Last week a few friends and I had the privilege to attend a rare event at a synagogue in Austin; a Sefer Torah Dedication. 

So rare I was told, that not many Jews get to attend such an event, much less Christians. It was a true honor to be invited by our local Jewish friends!

Like Jews, the bible is the very foundation of the Christian faith. But the way Christians and Jews physically treat and handle the bible is so very different. For example, it is common for Christians to jot down notes in the margin of their bible or lay the bible on the floor next to a favorite chair where hours are spent reading. Jews would never even consider writing in the Torah as that is considered profaning the holy text. Or placing a bible on the floor is seen as disrespectful to God's holy word. The very paper a Torah is written on is considered holy.

Even more fascinating is, in Judaism, there are not multiple translations of the bible as there are in Christianity, there is only one...not one jot or tittle can be changed. This is why the holy work of a Sofer, a Jewish scribe, is so incredibly important. His job is to write the very same Torah that King David wrote and every scribe since then. The very same words without any change or interpretation. All handwritten. This is the commandment of the Lord.

Just considering this difference gives reason for serious contemplation about how things get lost in translation. Food for thought. 
 
So what is a Sefer Torah Dedication? I think it's better to show you. Click the picture and take a look at this most joyous occasion!