The Cornerstone Torah was graciously donated to Cornerstone University by Kenneth and Barbara Larson in 2016. 

This Torah is thought to be from the 18th century, but could be much older. Originally from Germany, it survived WWII and made its way to Israel, eventually being sold to the Larsons. Currently, Dr. and Mrs. Scott Carol are working with Israeli scholars to derive more information.

As the oldest Torah in Michigan, the Cornerstone Torah is made from calf skin sewn with sinew. It is an Ashkenazi Torah, from the large Jewish population of Central Eastern Europe. The Torah measures 85 feet long, uses 58 kosher calf skins, and has 59 lines per column. Panels and columns are numbered in pencil on the rear.

You may come see and read the Cornerstone Torah in Miller Library. There is also a USB drive with usable pictures and information available for check out. Ask for more details at the front desk.

Miraculously, this Torah survived the Holocaust and is a living piece of history. Cornerstone's Torah was copied by a professional scribe onto a calf-skin scroll, who meticulously ensured that all phrasing, paragraphs, and sections remained consistent. It contains 150 corrections, ensuring precision of letters, pages, and capitalization, and bears the handwriting of its benefactor in the last few lines of the 5th book, Deuteronomy.

Here are some interesting facts about the way the Torah is transcribed:

• Each book is separated by four blank lines.
• Spaces separate the paragraphs and sections.
• Important passages begin with an enlarged letter.  
• It is written in all consonants and contains no vowels.
• There are no chapters, verses, or punctuation.
• Not a jot or a tittle is left out. Every decorative line is included.

• It takes about a year to copy a complete a Torah.
• Only right-handed men can complete a Torah.
• Every Jewish man is expected to copy a complete Torah sometime during his life.
• It is commonplace to hire a professional scribe to complete this task.
• A professional scribe can copy about 2/3rds a column per day.
• Torah scrolls are often re-inked as letters fade and ink begins to crack over time.

Anyone is welcome to come view and study the Torah. Please go to the Circulation Desk for access.

Please follow the guidelines below when viewing the Torah.

• Patrons must wash hands prior to entering the Torah room.
• No food or drink in the Torah room.
• Please do not touch the ink on the Torah.
• Please do not turn the scroll. If you would like to see a specific passage, please inquire with a librarian.

The Cornerstone Torah is Pasul, meaning it can no longer be used for liturgy at Synagogue because it is no longer in perfect condition. 

More about Pasul Torah:

• It is considered invalid to declare God's truth.
• It is used for education purposes and as literary objects.
• To dispose of a Torah, it is often buried.