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Trinity accepts donation of 500-year-old Torah scroll

Deerfield, Ill. -- An Ashkenazi Torah originating in late 15th century Germany has been donated to Trinity International University, where it will be displayed and used as an academic resource.

The Torah is a gift from Kenneth R. and Barbara Larson of Little Canada, Minn., who are collectors of ancient manuscripts. They envision the 100-ft. scroll as an educational tool for Trinity students in academic areas such as history, Hebrew language and Hebrew Scriptures. The scroll also will be made available by appointment to interested parties from outside the Trinity community.

"Trinity students and faculty for years to come will be served well by the extraordinary gift of this very special Torah scroll," President David S. Dockery said. "The Trinity community is extremely pleased and so very grateful to receive this incredibly generous gift from Ken and Barbara Larson."

Scott Carroll, a Michigan-based specialist in rare written texts, scrolls and books, said the Ashkenazi Torah is among the top 1 percent of all existing Torah scrolls when considering its age, condition and significance.

"This will be among the earliest Torahs to be found in specialty libraries in the Chicago area," Carroll said. "At the seminary, at the college, for area pastors and for the Jewish community, it presents some awesome opportunities."

This Ashkenazi Torah has been carefully corrected over time and painstakingly mended. The seams are tightly bound. Scholars say markings on the scroll are consistent with patterns found in Germany at the end of the 15th century. That places this Torah among the oldest 2 percent of all surviving German Torahs.

This Torah also features small indented dots called trope. Their placement assisted readers with phrasing and grammar. Carroll said finding trope in a Torah of this type is rare.

Trinity will create a temporary display for the scroll in the Rolfing Library through the month of September, and then the Torah will be moved to a permanent display location on campus.

The Larsons also are providing a digital version that will allow students to access the Torah outside the classroom for research and assigned readings.

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