The Venetian Sees Theft of Religious Artifact, Las Vegas Cops Investigate – Video

The LVMPD launched an investigation into the theft. Officers have “an excellent lead,” Abraham said.

Abraham already offered a $10,000 reward for the return of the Torah, the report said. He has taken the Torah to jewelry shows that have taken place in the US and elsewhere, such as Israel and Moscow.

Last year, it was read during Sabbath services. Some 400 worshippers were present.

In addition, it has great significance for him and his family. The Torah was read at family events. His children’s names and those of their spouses are written in it.

It has a tremendous amount of meaning for the family and all those people that depend on it from all those years,” Abraham said. “You feel the spirit of Shabbat wherever we have the show because of this Torah.”

Abraham speculates the thief views the artifact as something he can sell. The holiness means nothing.

“Let’s hope the guy that took it brings it in before we go after him,” Abraham said.

Abraham is president of Congregation Anshei Shalom, an Afghan synagogue and community center in Jamaica Estates, Queens, N.Y. His family is originally from Afghanistan.