A Sefer Torah and Divine Providence: The Story of the Bet Chabad of the Roman Ghetto

In the heart of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, the new Bet Chabad has become a vibrant center of study and prayer, but also the stage for a surprising intertwining of events, marked by the divine providence that guides every detail of our lives.

It all began on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, when Rabbi Aharon Michoel Canarutto had just completed a meticulous renovation of the Bet Chabad. The result was a welcoming space, ready to host the local community and visitors. But a sudden flood devastated months of work, transforming the place into a chaos of debris and water.

"After the storm comes the blessing"

While the rabbi and volunteers worked to restore the center, a visitor from France, who had come to Rome to assist a sick relative, found himself facing the disaster. With a smile and words of encouragement, he said: "Don’t be discouraged, after a flood comes the brachà." Those words would prove prophetic.

A few days later, the visitor returned to the Bet Chabad to inform the rabbi that the relative had passed away. During a conversation of comfort, the visitor expressed his wish to donate a Sefer Torah in memory of the deceased, a gesture that would honor his legacy.

The chain of providence

From that moment on, a series of events, difficult to consider purely coincidental, led to the realization of the project. Through unexpected donations, collaborations with renowned soferim, and the support of families touched by deeply meaningful personal stories, the writing of a new Sefer Torah came to life.

But the miracles didn’t stop there. With the Sefer Torah completed in Israel and ready to be brought to Rome, an unexpected shortage of flights threatened to derail the plans. However, the sofer who had written the Sefer Torah claimed that in a dream, he saw a travel agent finding a seat for him at the last minute. The dream came true, and the Sefer Torah arrived just in time for the ceremony, leaving everyone present in a state of gratitude and wonder at the divine providence.

A day of joy and gratitude

On the 14th of Kislev, Bet Chabad celebrated the completion of the Sefer Torah with a celebration that involved the entire community. Amidst songs, dances, and words of thanks to Hashem, the center was consecrated as a beacon of hope and unity.

Today, that Sefer Torah stands as a living symbol of resilience and faith, a witness to the divine providence that works through the hands and hearts of those who unite for a greater purpose.

If you wish to support the Bet Chabad of the Roman Ghetto or participate in its future projects, visit the website www.chabadjewishghettorome.it.