Linda’s studies as a Soferet Sta’M* [Sefer Torah, tefillin, and mezuzot] began in 2003, when artist and Sofer, Eric Ray, z”l, agreed to teach her. Linda worked and learned under his guidance for approximately two years, and later studied Halacha (Jewish law) of safrut with Jen Taylor Friedman. In addition, she worked in the studio of Sofer Neil Yerman, learning to repair and restore Torah scrolls.

After several years, and many hours of practice, Linda was accepted to participate in the Women’s Torah Project, writing 20 out of 62 pages of a Torah that now lives in Seattle, WA. It is the first Torah in history written by a group of Sofrot ( female scribes). Since then, Linda has written sifrei Torah on her own, and has completed the writing of a seventh Torah for Congregation Ohr Shalom in Summit, NJ. This new scroll for Temple Emanu-El will be Linda’s eighth Torah.

Linda’s role as a Soferet extends beyond writing to include teaching about the art and skill of the Sofer while embracing and including congregants in the process. Scribing letters and words with participants and delivering divrei Torah about “their spot” in the scroll has become a favorite part of creating a Torah. Linda’s experience has taught her that “for many people being physically close to a Torah scroll as it is being written, seeing the letters and words emerge from the quill and appear on the parchment, is to feel the inexorable pull of history and tradition and elicit that elusive sense of belonging and connection to Jews and Judaism.” Coppleson never tires of witnessing that emotional response.

In addition to writing Torah, megillot and mezuzot, Linda repairs and restores sifrei Torah. She is retired from a twenty-five-year career teaching Tanach (Bible), Rabbinics and Jewish History, but continues to teach in her role as a Soferet. She also writes and illuminates ketubot and creates life cycle art pieces.

Linda graduated from Brandeis University with a BA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, and earned an MA in Hebrew Culture and Education from New York University.