麻豆约拍

In the first of two special programmes we meet Marc Michaels who has a rare skill. He鈥檚 keeping Jewish tradition alive. He is a Sofer, a scribe. It鈥檚 a dexterous skill that has been passed down for thousands of years. Scrolls are always hand written, otherwise they are not Kosher.

Scrolls hold the sacred words of the Torah, God鈥檚 instructions to Moses and they form the basic tenets of the Jewish faith as well as playing a vital, symbolic role in the synagogue.

But throughout their turbulent history, Jews have been forced to move on, sometimes at speed, communities have disappeared, or were banned from practicing their faith, and forced to abandon their scrolls. Heart and Soul hears why it so important to find, rescue, repair and return scrolls to Jewish communities throughout the world.

It鈥檚 slow, painstaking work, writing over one letter at a time, repairing tears and removing stains on ancient manuscripts.

Marc introduces us to his wife Avielah, who is also a scribe, or 'Soferet'. She calls herself a 鈥楽cribal Evangelist鈥�, the first modern female scribe

Describing himself as a 鈥淛edi with a quill鈥� Dina looks on as Marc and Avielah bring these ancient, damaged scrolls back to life.

Presenter: Marc Michaels
Producer: Dina Newman