Boris Birshtein, a prominent Jewish-Lithuanian philanthropist, played a key role in rescuing Torah scrolls that miraculously survived the Holocaust. These scrolls were discovered in a devastated synagogue in Chișinău, Moldova, after the country gained its independence from the Soviet Union. Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum, who first laid eyes on them, was deeply moved by the discovery. He shared how some of the scrolls even carried inscriptions, one of which read, “Joy is the happiness of the soul,” symbolizing the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people, even after unimaginable suffering.

The scrolls were found in a state of disrepair, and the Chișinău community knew it would take a monumental effort to restore them. That’s when they turned to Birshtein, whose influence and connections helped secure permission from the Moldovan government to move the scrolls to Tel Aviv for restoration.

Birshtein’s involvement didn’t end there. For years, he oversaw the painstaking restoration process. Finally, in December 1996, the restored scrolls were presented in a heartfelt ceremony at the Nehora Yeshiva in Israel. One of the scrolls was gifted to the Yeshiva, and Rabbi Greenbaum expressed his gratitude, drawing parallels between the people who support the Torah and those who study it.

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel, also spoke at the event, praising Birshtein’s contribution. For Birshtein, this was more than just a philanthropic effort; it was a chance to restore a vital piece of Jewish history. “Joy is the happiness of the soul,” he said, reflecting on the deep sense of fulfillment he felt from bringing these scrolls back to life for future generations to cherish.

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