About

Congregation Agudas Achim, a Jewish community that has roots in Austin for more than 100 years, is in the final stages of fulfilling the 613th mitzvah, or commandment, of writing a new Torah. In the spirit of solidarity and inclusion, since December 2016, Congregation Agudas Achim has welcomed all members of the community, Jewish and non-Jewish, to join us in the creation of this new Torah.

The Torah is the heart of Judaism and the Jewish community. Writing a Hebrew letter on the parchment can be a unique spiritual experience. Congregation Agudas Achim commissioned Jen Taylor Friedman, a female soferet, or scribe, to write this Torah with us. It's estimated that no more than twenty women in the world are trained to do this, and this will be the first full Torah written in Texas by a woman. Commissioning a female soferet is intentional as Congregation Agudas Achim, a Conservative synagogue, actively promotes egalitarianism and equality that is steeped in tradition. Financial contributions to write a letter in the Torah support the 10,000 Faces of Torah campaign, an endowment fund, that will allow Congregation Agudas Achim to continue to prosper and secure its place in Austin for generations to come.

The Torah Dedication will be held Sunday, February 11th at 10:30 am. This is a free event and all members of the community are welcome to attend.

Congregation Agudas Achim will host a ticketed event at 5:00 pm – a panel titled – Jewish Wit, Jewish Wisdom, Jewish Women, the following notable personalities will be participating on the panel:
· Rabbi Susan Silverman (sister of comedian Sarah Silverman)
· Hadassah Lieberman (wife of Senator Joe Lieberman)
· Lisa Loeb, singer/songwriter
· Dana Bash, CNN political correspondent will moderate
At 6:00 pm the Jewish a cappella group, The Maccabeats, will perform.

Event Details

Ticket Information

  • Cost: $36 - $360
  • Phone: (512) 735-8400

Presenter Details

Venue Details

  • Address: 7300 Hart Lane
  • City: Austin
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78731