Rabbi Missing After Jumping In Ocean To Rescue Student
Photo of Virginia Beach Image by iStock
(JTA) — The U.S. Coast Guard will continue what it is calling a recovery mission for a rabbi who jumped into the ocean in a state park in Virginia Beach, Virginia to save a student who was having trouble returning to shore.
The 11-year-old student, who was at False Cape State Park on Tuesday afternoon with about 20 others from a local yeshiva, was reported to be safe. The missing rabbi has been named as Reuven Bauman, 35, a teacher at Yeshiva Toras Chaim in Norfolk Virginia by the Yeshiva World News website.
The search for the teacher was scaled back for the night when it got dark on Tuesday. It was expected to resume on Wednesday.
The water on Tuesday was reported to be choppy with rip currents, and lifeguards in the area had raised a red flag, which means that swimming is prohibited, local channel ABC 13 news reported. Swimming is prohibited in that area of the state park as well.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Little Creek searched on Tuesday for the man. Crews from the Virginia Beach Fire Department and the Virginia Marine Police are also assisting with the search.
A call went out Tuesday evening on social media requesting prayers for the recovery of the rabbi. He is listed on the school’s website as teaching 7th and 8th grade secular studies teacher and 3rd grade Judaic studies.
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.
