Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Miami Beach Synagogue Vandalized

Since I made my blog private I don't have the readership that I used to but perhaps you all can get the word out about this - they certainly could use all the help they can get at this time...

Miami Beach Synagogue Vandalized

MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) ―

Police on Tuesday were investigating a fire that damaged a Miami Beach synagogue early Tuesday during Passover. The Chabad Shul, located at 2401 Pinetree Dr., was vandalized and its Torah stolen.

According to CBS4 Tiffani Helberg, detectives were told by congregation members that the Torah, a religious scroll of Jewish laws and customs, a centerpiece of its religion, was taken. Pieces of the Torah were found outside. Its value is more than $40,000.

"We could see all the prayer books there, all burnt up you can find them, but not one inch of the Torah remnants," said Rabbi Zev Katz. "And we found the pole to the Torah outside. Something strange happened; this is definitely criminal activity."The rabbi said he believed the fire was intentionally set, but Miami Beach fire officials have not confirmed it. The pole that holds the Torah found outside was brought to the attention of investigators as a clue as to what might of happened.A service on Friday at 7:00 pm will go on, and it will likely take place outside on the back lawn.

Congregation members have posted a $1,000 reward for information to find who might be responsible.

Click on Chabad House on Wheels to learn more and if you could help.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Yeah I know what you mean about readership...I have none :) Anyway...that is just HORRIBLE! Thanks for the info.

Jewish Deaf Motorcycling Dad said...

Oh, the pictures are absolutely sickening. (Not that they should be hidden though!) Thank you for letting us know!

Another meshugannah mommy said...

Count me in on the low readership gang! This is just terrrible news. Makes me sick to my stomach - I hope they catch those jerks.

Jack Steiner said...

What about updating this thing.