A Torah scroll is a very appropriate addition to a Jewish Temple/Synagogue, as it represents the unbroken chain of Jewish tradition and survival. The ancient wisdom contained in this scroll is the essence of our identity as Jews, and possessing our own Torah scroll at an academic center of learning is cause for great pride and celebration."
The Torah scroll contains the five books of Moses in the original Hebrew and is read several times each week during prayer. It is hand-written by a Sofer, or scribe, on parchment, a detailed process that can take over a year to complete. Why does it take so long? Timeless laws apply to a certified Torah scribe, and everything from the character of the scribe to the quality of the parchment and type of ink are carefully prescribed. Furthermore, the shape and size of each of the 304,808 letters, as well as the spacing of the lines and empty space, must be perfectly done by hand. The slightest error may void a whole segment or even the entire 54-portions.
Jewish tradition says that when a new Torah is to be welcomed into a community it is a tremendous honor and blessing to the community and to the soul of whose memory we are dedicating it to.