Body Of Rabbi Who Drowned After Rescuing Students Found
Photo of Virginia Beach Image by iStock
(JTA) — A body believed to be that of a rabbi who jumped into the ocean to save a student was found off the coast of North Carolina.
Volunteers looking for Reuven Bauman, 35, found the body Sunday, five days after the teacher at Yeshiva Toras Chaim in Norfolk, Virginia jumped into choppy water at False Cape State Park after a student, said to be 13 years old.
The student made it safely to shore but the rabbi never returned and was believed to have been swept away by rip currents. According to Yeshiva World News, the body was identified as Bauman’s.
His brother, Rabbi Mordechai Bauman of University Heights, is a teacher at Yeshiva Derech Hatorah in Cleveland Heights. The Baumans grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Reuven Bauman, who is listed on the school’s website as teaching seventh- and eighth-grade secular studies teacher and third-grade Judaic studies, is the father of five children.
A local rabbi from Virginia, Gavriel Rudin, told the CBS affiliate News 3 WTKR that volunteers would continue to search for Bauman.
“We know the chances are slim, but we have not given up and Jews throughout the world are hoping and praying for his safe return,” he told the news channel before the body was found.
He said that in Judaism, finding the body and providing a proper burial are of “incredible importance.”
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.
