Sandy-Hit Shul Menorah Heading to White House
Image by courtesy of temple israel
Temple Israel of Long Beach, the Long Island synagogue damaged in Hurricane Sandy, will send a 90-year-old menorah that survived the storm to the White House for a Hanukkah party hosted by President Barack Obama on December 13, according to the New York Times.
The shul lost six torahs, incurred ten feet of flooding and an estimated $5 million of damages in the superstorm.
Earlier this month, the Forward reported that Temple Israel was unsure of what help the Federal Emergency Management Agency or his insurance company could provide in helping rebuild the synagogue. Temple Israel was also one of 14 synagogues in the New York area that incurred $100,000 or more in estimated damages.
Rabbi David Bauman, who is also a reserve chaplain in the Marins Corps, will accompany the menorah to Washington. In 2010, the White House chose a menorah found in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina for their annual party.
Bauman told the Times the gift illustrates the synagogues determination to bounce back from the crippling blow inflicted by Sandy.
“The story of Hanukkah is about the underdog becoming victorious,” he told the paper. “And that’s our goal. We will rebuild.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
