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LAS CRUCES - The congregation of Temple Beth-El is fulfilling a sacred obligation this year by commissioning a new, handwritten scroll of the Torah - the five books of Moses that Rabbi Paul Citrin said are "the core" of the Hebrew Scriptures.

"According to old Jewish tradition, everyone in his lifetime should write a Torah," Citrin said.

However, a scribe, also known as a sofer, needs a year to complete two handwritten Torahs, which are scripted using Hebrew calligraphy and special ink on a parchment, usually sheepskin or cow's hide, Citrin said. By tradition, only handwritten Torah scrolls are used in Shabbat services. Regular book versions of the Torah are used for study, Citrin said.

Although Temple Beth-El already has two Torah scrolls, one is so worn that it cannot be used and the other is in need of repair. By underwriting the purchase of a new Torah, the entire congregation shares in the sacred obligation and blessing, or mitzvoh, of the creation of the scroll, Citrin said.

Members of the congregation all participate in the writing of the Torah by providing a gift dedicated to a certain verse or chapter or book. In addition, Temple Beth-El is celebrating "A Year of Torah," with several special events scheduled every month. The celebration will continue well into June. Children in Hebrew school will present a special Parasha play of Torah stories at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, Citrin said.

The new Torah is scheduled to be dedicated May 15, Citrin said. The event

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is open to the public.

Another Jewish tradition is being celebrated at Temple Beth-El this week with the lighting of the Menorah for the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah - sometimes spelled Chanukah - the Festival of Lights.

"Chanukah is not a major holiday on the Jewish calendar," the rabbi said. "However, it is a very important time of worship that celebrates the 2,200-year-old Jewish struggle for religious liberty."

The eight days of Hanukkah commemorate a victorious 2nd century B.C.E. battle led by the Maccabees, a Jewish rebel army, against Greek rulers which resulted in the re-

dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, Citrin said.

"It's a celebration of Jewish identity and of the right of any minority to celebrate their culture in the midst of a dominant majority culture," Citrin said.

A calendar of daily events at Temple Beth-El can be accessed at www.tbelc.org.

Jeff Barnet is a reporter for the Sun-News' Multimedia Targeted Division. He can be reached at (575) 541-5476.

If you go

•What: A Year of Torah Celebration

•Where: Temple Beth-El, 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave.

•Information: (575) 524-3380, www.tbelc.org

Selected events

•7:30 p.m., Erev Shabbat, Friday, "And the Women Dance": Artist Sara Novenson shares her art on women of the Bible;

•Noon to 2 p.m., Shabbat, Dec. 18, Great Torah Teachers Lunch: "Sa'adya, Defender of the Faith";

•7 to 9 p.m., Shabbat, Jan. 8, A Havdalah Experience: "Songs of Torah - A Community Sing-Along";

•For a complete listing of "A Year of Torah" events, which continue through June 7, call Temple Beth-El or visit the website.