Boise Synagogue Revitalizes Torah Scrolls for Rabbi Installation

Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel prepares sacred texts for new era under Rabbi Johanna Hershenson's leadership.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Jewish community in Boise, Idaho gathered to celebrate the installation of Rabbi Johanna Hershenson, who is taking over after around 30 years of service from Rabbi Daniel Fink. Ahead of the ceremony, the congregation ensured its most sacred Torah scrolls were restored and ready for the next chapter under new leadership. Neil Yerman, a master Torah scribe, led the meticulous process of repairing and cleaning the handwritten scrolls that are central to Jewish worship.

Why it matters

The restoration of the Torah scrolls is an important ritual for the Boise Jewish community as they welcome a new spiritual leader. Torah scrolls play a central role in synagogue services, and ensuring they are in pristine condition is a sign of respect for the sacred texts and the congregation's traditions.

The details

Yerman, who has restored over 1,000 Torah scrolls for congregations around the world, worked with 26 members of the Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel to clean the scrolls front and back. Even minor damage can have major consequences, as 'a little tear can become a very big tear, and basically split the Torah in half.' Yerman said only a few letters still needed minor repair work before the scrolls would be ready for use under Rabbi Hershenson's leadership.

  • On February 22, 2026, the Boise Jewish community gathered to celebrate the installation of Rabbi Johanna Hershenson.
  • Yerman last performed maintenance on the congregation's scrolls about 15 years ago.

The players

Rabbi Johanna Hershenson

The new spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel, taking over after around 30 years of service from Rabbi Daniel Fink.

Neil Yerman

A Sofer, or master Torah scribe, who has restored over 1,000 Torah scrolls for congregations around the world.

Betsy Russell

A longtime member of the Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel and the president of the congregation.

Oni Kinberg

The vice president of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel.

Rabbi Daniel Fink

The previous spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel, who served for around 30 years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yes, I do. I love it. I've been in it. I've been in it for a long time.”

— Neil Yerman, Master Torah Scribe (ktvb.com)

“A little tear can become a very big tear, and basically split the Torah in half, which is pretty terrifying.”

— Neil Yerman, Master Torah Scribe (ktvb.com)

“There are only a few hundred ritual Torah scribes in the world with the kind of training that he has. He has restored more than 1,000 Torah scrolls for congregations all over the world.”

— Betsy Russell, Congregation President (ktvb.com)

“His workmanship is amazing. Kind of feels like reaching back to some ancient time when everything was done by hand.”

— Oni Kinberg, Congregation Vice President (ktvb.com)

“But it, you know, it's age sometimes creeps in, and some things start taking longer than others, but I still love it.”

— Neil Yerman, Master Torah Scribe (ktvb.com)

What’s next

The restored Torah scrolls will be used in the synagogue's services under the leadership of Rabbi Johanna Hershenson, who is officially being installed as the new spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel.

The takeaway

The meticulous restoration of the Torah scrolls by a master scribe demonstrates the Boise Jewish community's deep reverence for their sacred texts and traditions as they welcome a new era of leadership. This ritual ensures the congregation's most important religious objects are preserved and ready to guide them into the future.