As many of you will recall, a Sefer Torah from the former Middlesbrough Shul was brought to Israel in July 2000, and until recently has been in regular use in the Pisgat Moriah shul in Pisgat Zeev, Jerusalem.(See the original report here on our website).

Unfortunately, the Sefer is now in need of urgent restoration, to ensure its continued use in the years ahead. Like most shuls here in Jerusalem, Pisgat Moriah does not have any surplus funds and is seeking donations to enable the work to be undertaken. So I am writing to all our ex-Boro friends around the world in an attempt to raise the funds needed. The cost of the restoration work is estimated at $3,500 (around £2,500).

At this stage we are merely seeking pledges of financial support – in any major currency. You will be asked to honour your pledge only after the entire sum has been raised.

The Sefer retains its original distinctive red mantle, bearing the name of the Middlesbrough Hebrew Congregation. Please help us to raise these funds so that it can retain its rightful place in the Aron Kodesh of Pisgat Moriah.