New Synagogue in Palm Beach will mark a new partnership with American Friends of the Israel Defense Forces during Shabbat services on Feb. 13 with the dedication of two official IDF Torah covers honoring Israeli soldiers.
The dedication reflects a longstanding commitment by the late New Synagogue founder S. Daniel Abraham — a World War II veteran — to both military service and the State of Israel, Rabbi Abraham Unger, the synagogue’s executive director, said in a release.
Abraham, the founder of Slim-Fast who died at age 100 in June 2025, donated two Torah scrolls to the Israel Defense Forces on behalf of the congregation, symbolizing solidarity with IDF soldiers and their role in defending the Jewish state.
The Torah scrolls, which are on loan to New Synagogue, will be adorned with official Israel Defense Forces–embroidered covers. Unger said the scrolls are intended to create a tangible spiritual connection between worshippers and Israeli soldiers serving in active duty.
Brian Sarran, vice president of the Southeast region of American Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, will attend the Feb. 13 service and speak during the dedication. Unger also will offer remarks.
Services begin at 5:40 p.m. To register, visit NewSynagogue.org or call 561-514-4064.
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: New Synagogue in Palm Beach to host Torah dedication Feb. 13
Reporting by Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
