Camp Nageela Midwest, in Marshall, Ind., just received the Torah. Specifically, their own Torah scroll, dedicated to the memory of the one and a half million children killed in the Holocaust.

In July, the camp held a Hachnasat Sefer Torah, a celebration to welcome the Torah- similar to the ushering of a bride to the chuppah– with singing, dancing, and a processional, followed by remarks by both staff and campers. Everyone was able to examine the scroll up close and even to watch the last letters being written by a sofer (scribe) in person. Obtaining the Torah involved a campaign spearheaded by Eric Rothner, Yosef Meystel and Barak Baver; one fundraiser was held in the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

Rothner delivered the Torah to the camp personally, accompanied by several family members. The scroll, which was written in Israel, was designed to be lightweight, so that campers could carry it unassisted. The inscription on the cover expresses the idea that it was “given to the children to inspire them to live in an honorable manner,” said Nosson Factor, the camp’s director. In thanks, the children gave Rothner handmade crafts. Next, Rothner will dedicate a sports complex at the camp.

Prior to the Torah’s delivery, the camp prepared campers for its arrival with discussions on the making of a Torah scroll, the meaning of the Torah, and the impact of the Holocaust. “Jewish summer camp has the opposite intention of the Nazis,” said Factor, explaining why he thought the camp’s Torah should be dedicated to the memory of those children the Nazis killed.