NORTH BETHESDA, Md. (October 22, 2026) – Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) dedicated a new Sefer Torah at Ring House on Tuesday, October 13, marking the culmination of a two-year effort to create a new sacred scroll for the independent living residence. Residents, associates, donors, and community members gathered for the celebration, which included a procession, musical performances, and remarks from organizational leaders.
The celebration began at B’nai Israel Congregation, where Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, the Torah’s scribe, inscribed the final letters on the scroll. The Torah was then carried in a procession to Ring House, accompanied by residents, associates, community members, musicians, and students from B’nai Israel’s Early Childhood Center, who waved flags along the way.
At Ring House, the dedication continued with music from the Iris Piano Trio and Shir Madness, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School’s upper class a capella group, as well as remarks from CESLC Board Chair Kenneth H. Becker and CESLC leadership.
The new Sefer Torah was commissioned with the needs of the CESLC community in mind. Lighter in weight and easier to carry, it reflects CESLC’s commitment to ensuring that Jewish spiritual life remains accessible, meaningful, and vibrant for everyone who calls Ring House home.
Writing a Torah is the concluding mitzvah of the 613 mitzvot, among the most sacred acts in Jewish tradition. Throughout the yearlong process, residents, donors, and others participated in writing sessions led by Rabbi Herzfeld, learning about the sacred tradition of Torah writing and taking part in the inscription of individual letters and words.
“The completion of the scroll marks the beginning of a new chapter in our spiritual life at Charles E. Smith Life Communities,” said Rabbi Daniel Braune-Friedman, CESLC’s senior rabbi and director of spiritual life. “We are grateful for the contributions that made the new Torah possible and that support the enrichment of vibrant Jewish life across campus.”
About Charles E. Smith Life Communities
Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) is a Jewish, nonprofit, nationally recognized leader in senior living and health care located in Montgomery County, Maryland. CESLC is committed to being the provider of choice for innovative programs and services that enrich and enhance the quality of life for older adults.
Founded in 1910 to house Jewish older adults in need, CESLC has grown into a vibrant community serving more than 1,400 older adults of all faiths and backgrounds. Today, CESLC offers a full continuum of senior living, health care, and community-based services on its 38-acre North Bethesda campus and throughout the region through Hirsh Health Center, SmithLife® Homecare, and other specialized programs.
Our campus includes independent living, affordable and middle-market senior housing, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care—creating communities that meet the evolving needs and expectations of today’s older adults.
