SPACE TORAH Congregation Or Ami's Space Torah in space on a NASA shuttle mission World's First "Space Torah" Launched by Or Ami Judaism's most holy object-- the Torah-- was carried into space for the first time in history aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia by astronaut Dr. Jeffrey A. Hoffman during its mission between February 22-March 9, 1996. The Hebrew scroll contains writings believed to be revealed by God to the ancient Israelites at Mount Sinai more than 3,200 years ago. Since its founding in June, 1995, the leadership of newly formed Congregation Or Ami had sought to obtain a Torah scroll for use during its religious services. It had long been the hope of astronaut Hoffman and Rabbi Osadchey to send a Torah into space on a NASA shuttle mission. Because a Torah's standard size ranges from 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall and weighs 20 to 25 pounds, it was necessary to find a traditional Hebrew scroll in a non-traditional size-- one compact enough to fit among Dr. Hoffman's personal belongings. "Yet, it still had to be big enough to be suitable (legible) for use by the congregation upon its return from space," said the determined rabbi, who located the treasured Torah at Klein Brothers of Brooklyn, one of the largest suppliers of Torah scrolls in the U.S. This particular Torah scroll, measuring seven inches long and four inches in diameter, contains the sacred five books of Moses which are painstakingly handwritten in Hebrew by a specially trained scribe who uses a quill pen and a vegetable-based ink as prescribed by ancient Jewish law. "Dr. Hoffman is a very dedicated Jew and has taken several Judaic objects on his four previous space missions," said Congregation Or Ami's Rabbi Shaul Osadchey. "However, reading in Hebrew (Saturday,March 2, 1996) from the opening chapter of Genesis (first of the five books of the Torah), while orbiting above Jerusalem, was of particular significance to Jews here and around the world," noted the rabbi, Dr. Hoffman's spiritual leader. Illustrating the link between his ancient Jewish heritage and his high-tech life in the space program, the Shuttle veteran faxed Congregation Or Ami from space to confirm his dramatic eight minute Shabbat (Jewish sabbath) ceremony. He wrote: "I read from the Torah at the right time (Shabbat morning in Jerusalem; evening in Houston). I have it on TV to show the folks back home. Tell them thanks for making it possible to carry the Torah on board." Reflecting upon this unique, sacred cargo, Dr. Hoffman noted, "Astronauts are human beings and when we travel we take with us our culture and heritage. It is important to me to take my Jewish heritage with me as well." Dr. Hoffman wrapped the Torah in his grandfather's childhood tallit katan, a fringed religious garment worn by Jewish males, as a symbol of the historic love and devotion which Jews have had for the Torah. "Bibles have been taken into space before, but never has a Torah scroll been there. This is a significant event since it was the one object that defined the wanderings of the Jewish people throughout history," Dr. Hoffman elaborated. "Wherever Jews have wandered, they have taken the Torah with them. Unlike other objects which become special by being in space, the Torah's holy status remains constant. What changes is the realization that the values and traditions that we carry with us will affect the human presence in space." Other Jewish items he has carried in zero-gravity include a Hanukkah dreidel (spinning top) which he memorably spun in December, 1993 during the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, a silver pendant with the Jewish prayer for a journey inscribed upon it, mezzuzot (a small parchment scroll inscribed with a verse from Deuteronomy which is placed in a case and affixed to the doorpost by Jewish families as a sign and reminder of their faith); Torah pointers and breast plate; and atarot for tallitot (prayer shawl collars). Now part of the world's largest collection of "Space Judaica," the Torah is kept at Congregation Or Ami. The "Space Torah" was ceremonially completed before hundreds of congregants and members of the Jewish community on Sunday, April 28, 1996 and then dedicated during services on the following Shabbat. This unique Torah has inspired the synagogue's children to study the Torah and become skilled in reading from it. This small Torah scroll, easily handled by children, has captured their imagination as they connect the significance of Torah values with their dreams of the future. Congregation Or Ami, Houston's newest synagogue, is dedicated to celebrating Judaism through innovative programs of religious education and participatory worship. The congregation is guided by a vision of synagogue life which will extend their Jewish values well into the 21st century. The "Space Judaica" collection represents the synagogue's commitment to creating a vibrant and dynamic synagogue community to embrace the future.   More may become available in the future.