Jen Taylor Friedman stands out as a unique individual. She holds the distinction of being the sole female Torah scribe in Canada. Within the Jewish community, where the customs and practices of Judaism are upheld, the Torah holds an unparalleled level of sanctity. Its origins, much like various aspects of Judaism, are subject to ongoing debates.
Jen Taylor Friedman does not appear to be a religious revolutionary. Her cheeks are plump and youthful, giving her an almost baby-like appearance. Occasionally, she unconsciously puts her thumb in her mouth while deep in thought. She prefers casual attire, typically seen in jeans and a loose shirt, carrying a stuffed knapsack on her shoulder.
The Torah, the sacred scrolls of Judaism, are highly revered by those who follow the traditions and rituals of the faith. The origins of the Torah are a subject of debate within the Jewish community. While many scholars attribute its creation to Moses, others believe it was composed by God before the Earth was formed.
Each synagogue houses one or more of these sacred scrolls, with Torah typically referring to the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. However, the term Torah can also encompass the entire Jewish bible (known to non-Jews as the Old Testament) or, in a broader sense, the entirety of Jewish law and teachings.
Taylor Friedman states, “The Torah scroll represents the essence of Jewish history, aspirations, and cultural identity, making it the most sacred possession of any Jewish community.”
Born and raised in Southampton, England, Taylor Friedman, 34, pursued her education in mathematics at Oxford University before relocating to Montreal recently to join her partner, Uri David Akavia, a cancer researcher at McGill University.
Taylor Friedman identifies as an egalitarian feminist Jewish ritual scribe and scholar. In 2006, she gained significant attention for her creation of the Tefillin Barbie, a Mattel Barbie doll adorned with a tallit and tefillin. Despite her previous adherence to halakhic practices as a Jew, she has now adopted a more lenient approach in certain aspects.
She is among the select few women worldwide who have undertaken the task of transcribing a Torah. Recently, she presented one to the Dorshei Emet Reconstructionist synagogue in Montreal, a congregation that prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
Rabbi Ron Aigen, the spiritual leader of the congregation, describes this event as a significant moment in history. It marked the first time in Canada that a Torah had been commissioned from a female scribe. During the process, she not only transcribed the sacred text but also involved others by allowing them to write a letter while she guided their hand.
Currently, she is embarking on a new endeavor, meticulously writing a Torah for the Temple Emanuel in Kensington, Maryland. Using turkey quills sourced from a friend’s farm and a type of ink called iron gall ink, which is derived from tree tumors and imported from Israel, she is dedicating herself to this project. The Torah she is crafting spans an impressive 60 meters and will require her to write one column per day or 10 words per line across 42 lines. This laborious task will occupy her for a year and a half.
According to her, the cost is approximately $50,000.
The embellishments surrounding it, including the metal work, frame, and accompanying decorations, are outsourced to another individual.
The process requires great care; any mistakes are rectified by delicately removing the incorrect Hebrew character with a surgeon’s scalpel and promptly replacing it.
Taylor Friedman’s journey into Torah scribing stemmed from her passion for calligraphy and perhaps some influence from her religious grandparents’ genetic makeup.
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