Torah Rental

Maryland Hillel may loan Torah scrolls to approved student groups, community organizations, congregations, and other individuals or groups at its discretion.

Maryland Hillel does not charge a rental fee for use of its Torah scrolls.

A suggested donation of $360 per loan period is greatly appreciated and helps support the maintenance, care, and preservation of the Torah and Maryland Hillel’s programs and services.

Yes. Approved borrowers must provide a refundable damage deposit of $1,000 by check at the time of pickup.

The deposit check will be returned when the Torah is returned on time and in the same condition in which it was loaned.

Torah loans are limited to a maximum of seven (7) consecutive days unless otherwise approved in writing by Maryland Hillel.

Pickup and return must occur during Maryland Hillel business hours.

Academic-year business hours are:

• Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Approved borrowers will coordinate specific pickup and return times with Maryland Hillel staff.

The Torah must be handled with care and picked up by an individual who has experience handling a Torah.

The Torah must remain under the supervision of the borrower at all times and may not be left unattended in a vehicle.

When not in use, it must be stored in a safe, secure, climate-controlled indoor location.

Individuals reading from the Torah should use a yad (pointer) and should not touch the parchment directly.

While Maryland Hillel does not provide a yad (Torah pointer), its use is required for anyone reading from the Torah. To help protect the Torah scroll, readers should use a yad rather than touching the parchment directly. Please plan to bring your own yad for your event.

This Agreement confirms the arrangement between the Borrower and Maryland Hillel for the use of a Torah for the purpose indicated on the request form.

Submission of a request form constitutes a request to borrow a Torah and does not guarantee approval or reservation of a Torah.

Maryland Hillel reserves the right to approve or deny any request in its sole discretion.

Maryland Hillel does not charge a rental fee for the use of its Torah scrolls.

A suggested donation of $360 per loan period is greatly appreciated and helps support the maintenance, care, and preservation of the Torah and Maryland Hillel’s programs and services.

If a request is approved, information regarding how to make a donation will be provided during the scheduling process.

A refundable damage deposit of $1,000, payable by check to Maryland Hillel, is required at the time of pickup.

The damage deposit check will be returned upon the timely return of the Torah, provided the Torah is returned in the same condition in which it was loaned, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

Maryland Hillel reserves the right to designate which Torah may be loaned to the Borrower based on availability and other considerations.

The Torah must be handled with care and picked up by an individual who has experience handling a Torah.

Maryland Hillel may require the Borrower to speak with a member of its Executive Staff before taking possession of the Torah to ensure that it will be handled properly.

The Borrower agrees that any individual reading from the Torah will not touch the parchment directly and will instead use a yad (pointer).

The Torah must remain under the supervision of the Borrower at all times and may not be left unattended in a vehicle. When not in use, it must be stored in a safe, secure, climate-controlled indoor location.

The Borrower is responsible for any loss, damage, repair costs, or other expenses arising from misuse, negligence, theft, loss, improper transportation, or improper handling of the Torah while it is in the Borrower’s possession.

If the Torah is damaged, lost, or stolen, the Borrower must notify Maryland Hillel immediately.

The Borrower shall not attempt to repair any damage to the Torah.

Maryland Hillel reserves the right to deduct from the damage deposit any costs associated with repairing damage to the Torah or restoring it to its prior condition.

If the cost of repair, restoration, replacement, or other expenses exceeds the amount of the damage deposit, the Borrower shall remain responsible for all additional amounts owed.

The Torah must be returned by the agreed-upon return date and time.

Late fees of $100 per day may be assessed beginning the day after the agreed return date unless an extension has been approved in writing by Maryland Hillel.

Maryland Hillel reserves the right to pursue collection of any unpaid late fees or other amounts owed under this Agreement.

Maryland Hillel reserves the right to deny, cancel, or terminate a Torah loan request if it determines that the Torah may not be used, handled, transported, stored, or returned in a manner consistent with these Terms and Conditions.

The Borrower agrees to waive and release all claims and causes of action of any kind that may now exist or may arise in the future against Maryland Hillel and its officers, directors, board members, employees, and agents relating directly or indirectly to the use, condition, transportation, possession, or operation of the Torah.

The Borrower further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Maryland Hillel and its officers, directors, board members, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, expenses, court costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees arising from or related to the Borrower’s possession, transportation, storage, handling, or use of the Torah, except to the extent caused solely by the negligence of Maryland Hillel.

If either party brings an action arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with such action.

This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties regarding the use of the Torah and supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, or agreements relating to the subject matter herein.

Any modification of this Agreement must be made in writing and approved by Maryland Hillel.