The Torah Stitch by Stitch community grieves the passing in 2023 of our beloved and inspirational founder, Temma Gentles.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Despite our loss, the work continues.
Dear Torah Stitchers and Supporters
In the aftermath of Temma’s passing, many of you have asked if the project will continue. The answer to that is a resounding “Yes”!, tempered by the knowledge that we have some limitations. For example, we are not in a position, given our resources and expertise, to mount a travelling exhibition. Rather we will look for a permanent home. During this period we maintain responsibility for:
- Securely storing the work in a climate controlled art warehouse.
- Managing the website and ongoing communications
- Preparing proposals for suitable museums or other religious or educational venues
- Fundraising to complete the display structure, and possibly a book.
- Raising awareness of this amazing story.
- Managing and restocking the boutique
We are operating with a small volunteer board and a handful of dedicated volunteers, so your patience is appreciated.
Others have asked if it is possible to honour Temma’s memory by donating to the project. The answer to that is also “Yes,” a grateful “yes.” We are entirely supported by boutique sales and donations. The latter are a particular challenge for Canadian non-profits like us who do not have charitable status, since we cannot issue tax receipts for donations received. They are truly gifts. If you do decide to donate, this button will take you to the right page.,
As members of this global stitching team we thankfully celebrate many milestones we have achieved together. Who could have imagined that this small project could have spread so far and attracted enough creative stitchers to complete the entire Torah! It is testimony to the enduring relevance of sacred text and a tribute to the textile arts.
It is difficult to imagine the project without Temma, however we are committed to honouring her memory by finding a home to display this wonderful work of art in its entirety.
We will continue to update you as the search unfolds. In the meantime we encourage you to support the project by raising awareness in your communities.
Many of you actually met Temma, and we encourage you to share your memories of her with us. If we receive enough of them we will post them, either on a page on the website or on our Facebook page.
With heartfelt thanks
Lili Shain and the Torah Stitch by Stitch team
TORAH STITCH BY STITCH PROJECT
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