A Torah to connect the world

When South African oleh Eli Kay (25) was killed by a Hamas terrorist in Jerusalem in November 2021, it sent ripples of heartbreak around the world. Now, the Eli Kay Unity Sefer Torah will play a role in shoring up those cracks, and bring people together to celebrate Israel and the Jewish people – the direct opposite of the killer’s intention.

The idea came about in the early, harrowing days after Kay’s passing. “When something so terrible happens, you want to bring light into the world. Torah is light – it’s a simple equation,” says Eli’s older brother, Kasriel, who is driving the project.

“However, this Torah will be different. So many people around the world have wanted to connect with Eli and his story, and this will allow people to do that. Anyone around the globe can contribute for as little as $1 [R14, 00 or 3.50 shekels] for a letter. A Torah has more than 300 000 letters and I would rather have 300 000 R14 donations than have someone pay for the whole thing,” he says. “By taking part, you’re joining thousands of other Jews around the world.” Since launching the project in early July 2022, there have already been more than 500 participants.

But the unity brought by the Torah will go beyond this. When it’s time to start writing it, the sofer [scribe] will outline the letters, and then these pieces of parchment will be sent around the world to be filled in by a local scribe. “So, just say a piece is sent to South Africa, we will go round to schools, shuls, welfare organisations and so on, allowing people to be part of it. Filling in a letter is a source of great brocha, and it will allow Eli’s legacy to literally ‘tour’ around the world.”

Finally, when the Torah is complete, it will play a vital role in bringing people together, especially in Israel. “There’s no lack of Torahs, so we decided to make this something different: a travelling Sefer Torah,” says Kay. “I’ve done extensive research on creating a custom-made backpack which will allow tour groups to take the Torah with them.”

The Torah will be half size, allowing it to “travel the land which Eli so loved. It’s about continuity. Yes, kids come to Israel to enjoy pizza and shwarma and have a jol, but there’s this whole other side, a side that Eli stood for.” The family plans to meet tour groups using the Torah, explain what it is, and add depth and meaning to their time in the holy land.

What would Eli have said about it all? “He would probably have asked, ‘Why are you making all this fuss?’” says his brother. “But he also would have been very proud, that it would bring people together and celebrate our unity and diversity.”

Kay says he stays motivated through Eli. “When he died, everyone kept calling him a gibor Yisrael [a hero of Israel]. What made Eli a hero? He was just a regular kid from South Africa with a drive to do good, who shook the world to its core. And that’s the whole point. He showed that we can all be heroes.”

Kay admits that it’s been tough, “but I’m focused on ensuring my brother’s legacy lives on.  My family and I are incredibly driven. This is now our life’s work.”

They hope to complete the Unity Torah in time for Eli’s first yarzheit in November, which is why they want people to take part as soon as possible.

“Thanks to everyone for your participation. This is Eli’s community, who made him into the person he was,” says Kay. “We haven’t forgotten our roots. The connection to the South African Jewish community remains strong, and it always will be”.

To participate in the Eli Kay Unity Sefer Torah, visit www.torahclick.com/en/projects/11/the-eli-kay-unity-sefer-torah