No one hurt in synagogue ceiling collapse

October 2, 3:06 PMNY Jewish Culture ExaminerDavid Cooper

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Congregation Beth Elohim

When homophobic and anti-semitic protestors picketed Park Slope's Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) last Shabbat congregants had greater concerns and reasons to feel grateful. The previous Wednesday evening a large part of the ceiling above the balcony in the synagogue's main sanctuary collapsed. No one was hurt, but had the collapse happened four days later serious injuries or worse might have occured. Yom Kippur services were held in the Old First Reformed Church a block west and a block north of CBE.

In a letter to congregants Rabbi Andy Bachman and the congregation's lay leaders expressed thanks "first of all to Reverend Daniel Meeter and the leadership at Old First Reformed Church.  Opening up their worship space to us on Sunday and Monday was an enormous act of faith and generosity that we will never forget. True practitioners of God's command to "love your neighbor as yourself," Reverend Meeter and the Old First community demonstrated a powerful act of friendship.  Thank you." The ceiling collapse, the letter continued, highlights the human ties that bind congregants to each other. " As one part of our physical structure was rendered unusable, we were reminded of how vital, deep and precious our human infrastructure is.  We are truly a community of members and each and every one of you made this Yom Kippur so special. Participants in all our services: Main Sanctuary, Yachad Family Service, Tots and Brooklyn Jews--more than 2000 people were able to worship on this holiest day of the year and each was able to do so with a depth of intent and experience that will be felt for months to come." Congregants were asked to increase their contributions to the Yom Kippur appeal to help pay for repairs and restoration. The congregation's website has a paypal box for that purpose.

For more info: David Cooper