Torah Rental

*Please note that pick up and drop off dates/times must be within Maryland Hillel’s business hours. Business hours during the academic year are Monday - Thursday from 9:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Fridays from 9:00pm to 4:00pm. The renter shall return the Torah to Maryland Hillel by the agreed upon drop-off date.
1. Introduction
This confirms an arrangement between the Renter and Maryland Hillel for the use of the
Torah for the purpose indicated on the form.
2. Rental Fees
We do not charge for the rental; however, there will be a refundable damage deposit of $1,000. The check should be made out to Maryland Hillel and is due upon your pick-up date. Upon dropping off the Torah, the damage deposit check will be handed back to you if the Torah is returned undamaged.
3. Designation of Rented Torah
Maryland Hillel reserves the right to designate which Torah may be loaned out to the Renter based on availability.
4. Handling of the Torah
The Torah must be handled with care and picked up by an individual that has experience
handling a Torah. Renter may be required to speak with one of Maryland Hillel’s Executive Staff before taking possession of the loaned Torah to ensure that it is handled properly. The Renter also agrees that whoever will be reading from the Torah, will not touch the parchment and instead, will use the Yad (pointer) to help keep their place while reading.
5. Damage
The Renter is responsible for any expense arising out of damage to the Torah caused by those attending the event sponsored by Renter or its employees, contractors, officers and agents. If the Torah is damaged, it is the renter’s responsibility to inform Maryland Hillel immediately.
A damage deposit in the amount of $1000.00 is required upon pick-up from the organizer to be retained until return of the Torah. Maryland Hillel reserves the right to deduct from the damage deposit any costs for damages to the Torah. Maryland Hillel also reserves the right to charge for any damages or expenses in excess of the damage deposit if caused by Renter or due under this Agreement, and to deduct any such amounts from the damage deposit. Damage deposits are paid by check. If there is no damage or other charges due, Maryland Hillel will return the check to you upon dropping off the Torah.
6. Additional Fees
Additional fees may be charged if the Torah is kept longer than your rental contract and is not returned to Maryland Hillel. Maryland Hillel reserves the right to deduct a late fee of $100 per day from the Renter’s credit card. A copy of the credit card will be made and will be shredded or returned to renter when the Torah is returned.
7. Cancellation for Improper Use
Maryland Hillel reserves the right to cancel this agreement based on what it deems in its absolute discretion to be improper use of its Torah for any or no reason.
8. Hold Harmless Clause
The Renter agrees to waive and release all claims and causes of action of any kind, which may now exist or at any time hereafter arise against Maryland Hillel, and its officers, board members, employees, and agents, relating directly or indirectly to the use, condition or operation of the items including, without restricting the generality of the forgoing, all claims based on acts or omissions which are or shall be alleged to be negligent. Further, the Renter agrees to indemnify and save harmless Maryland Hillel and its officers, directors, employees and agents from and against claims made against it or them, whether or not valid, by your group or organization or by any person, and any and all damages, losses, liabilities, costs (including court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees) claims, actions and expenses arising in connection with or relating, directly or indirectly, to use of the Torah or any parts thereof, including without limitation those arising out of damage to the real and personal property of the Torah or any other person; and any injury to any person, except if and to the extent caused by the sole negligence of or attributable to Maryland Hillel.
9. Attorney’s Fees
If Renter or Maryland Hillel brings any action for any relief against the other, declaratory or otherwise, arising out of this Agreement, the losing party shall pay the successful party a reasonable sum for attorneys' fees which shall be deemed to have accrued on the commencement of such action and shall be paid whether or not such action is prosecuted to judgment.
10. Entire Agreement
This Agreement contains all agreements of the parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein. No prior agreement or understanding pertaining to any such matter shall be effective. This Agreement may be modified in writing only, signed by the parties in interest at the time of the modification.
11. Guarantor
The obligations of Renter under this Agreement shall be guaranteed by Name. This instrument constitutes the joint and several agreements, undertaking and obligation of the undersigned group or organization and individuals, respectively.