Stolen Torah scrolls left outside church

Two sacred Torah scrolls that had been stolen during a burglary at a synagogue in Salford, Manchester have been returned after being left outside a Methodist Church.

The Revd Dr Joanne Cox-Darling, Superintendent, Manchester Circuit, arrived at Whalley Range Methodist Church early on the afternoon of the 11 June to find two Torah scrolls left at the front door.

“I was very surprised to find them,” says Jo. “I called the police immediately as it seemed a bit suspicious and followed their advice to bring the scrolls inside.”

Dr Benjamin Ellis, faculty team member of the Senior Faith in Leadership Programme, translated the ceremonial coverings and the accompanying Aramaic prayer confirming they were Torah scrolls. Benjamin advised Jo how to store them respectfully.

The following day Jo contacted Rabbi Warren Elf, co-chair of Greater Manchester Faiths Forum and lead of Faiths for Manchester. Within half an hour, Rabbi Warren's contacts had confirmed the scrolls had been stolen from the Beis HaMedrash Torah Etz Chaim Synagogue in nearby Salford back in March when the safe containing The Torah scrolls had been taken during burglary.

Following discussion with the police who were investigating the original crime, it was agreed that the scrolls could be returned to the community, who came and immediately picked them up.

Charles Hoffmann commented on behalf of the Beis HaMedrash Torah Etz Chaim Synagogue, “We never lost hope — because a Jew never gives up hope in God, what we did give up was the struggle of searching, as we had done everything we could and from that point we were constantly praying to God for their safe return, trusting in God to bring our scrolls home. And that is exactly what happened.”

“Within a short time the news spread throughout the Jewish community and, although it was very close to our Shabbat, men, women and children came out to greet them, the atmosphere was electrifying as everyone came forward to kiss the scrolls while bringing the Torah scrolls back into the shul, there was dancing and singing, It was one of the most emotional and joyous sights any of us have ever witnessed.

“We wish to thank the Revd Dr Joanne Cox-Darling for making this happen and for helping bring our Torah scrolls back to us.”

Jo commented, “Although the arrival of the scrolls at our church remains something of a mystery, I was honoured to be entrusted with their care for a short while, and grateful to Jewish friends and colleagues who supported me in providing the safe and respectful recovery and safekeeping of the Scrolls until they could be passed back to the community in time for Shabbat."