The KJ Fire and the Response

Here is a report of the tragedy
Fire burns through 110-year-old synagogue on the Upper East Side | 7online.com
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=8244800
--------------------
Here is a response from
NY Board of Rabbis R Joe Potasnik, which in turn mentions the FDNY's response. Reproduced here with permission.

«All of you have sadly learned of the ferocious fire that devastated much of the Sanctuary of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on the Upper Eastside of last night.  As Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier and I stood with Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and his loving community, we witnessed several miracles.

Firstly, no one was seriously hurt.  Some 170 firefighters bravely responded to this four alarm fire and still the injuries were limited to smoke inhalation affecting two members of FDNY.  The primary concern was that all had safely evacuated the building.

The second concern was the security of the Torahs. Speaking with FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and Chief of Operations Robert Sweeney, I learned again of their selfless spirit in seeking to protect sacred scrolls.  I mentioned to the Commissioner how heartening it is to hear firefighters, the majority not being Jewish, worry about the safety of Torahs.  As he said, "Rabbi, this is FDNY as its best."

Thirdly we saw the steadfast determination of the KJ community standing with their beloved rabbis as they promised to build again.  A structure may burn, but it is obvious that a spirit cannot be broken.

Lastly, the offering of support from rabbis of different denominations is a loving testament to the importance of K'lal Yisrael. We at the Board have received inquiries from rabbis everywhere asking how they can help and offering their resources.

A popular Biblical directive give to Abraham is, "Be a blessing." We all know how to recite or give a blessing, but how can we "be a blessing"?  Last night, witnessing the miracles gave us the answer. The Psalmist said: You have made "humans a little lower than angels (8:5)." Last night, I believe we saw humans and angels standing as equals.

Best,
JP»
Sometimes "The Worst of Times" brings out the "Best in Us"

Shalom,
RRW