challenging a myth
Today, in nearly 1300 synagogues, institutions, museums, and places of distinction around the world, a Czech Torah Scroll resides. Whether it is used in worship, or is displayed as a memorial, the Scroll's mere existence can be seen as a miracle.
In the over 60 years since the scrolls arrived in London and were then distributed by the Memorial Scrolls Trust, a story about the scroll's survival seemed to accompany them. That story suggested that the Torah scrolls were collected by the Nazis to be used in a "Museum of an Extinct Race". It was a dramatic and startling story. Perhaps it was even plausible.
But it isn't true.
In this documentary film, we will tell of the Scroll’s journey, and how the real narrative, while sometimes clouded by myth, reveals an even more important and often overlooked truth.
After many miles, and many wonderful experiences, the film was completed in the Spring of 2026. I am very excited to begin to share it with communities all around the world who are home to a Czech Scroll, and audiences beyond.
My thanks to all of those who I have met and who have helped me along the way.
dale bluestein - producer / director / videographer / editor
A story that needed to be told.
In 2008, when I first learned about the story of the Czech Scrolls, I was amazed. There, in the sanctuary of my very own Synagogue in Minneapolis there was one of these precious links to a people and life that had perished. The Scroll they held and worshiped with was in our care. It was so powerful and moving.
To learn the story that they were collected by the Nazis to be used in this so-called Museum, it was even more stunning. I started to research and learned... that the story wasn't true. There was so much more to tell.
So I decided to try to tell it.
Contact me
We are currently making plans for the film to be available for congregations to view. If you are interested in a screening, please send a note and we will be in contact with you soon.
