At least two churches and a number of individual Christians have made gifts to a fund to rebuild an Orthodox synagogue which was severely damaged in a fire last January, Benjamin Lifshitz, president of Congregation Nazereth Israel, disclosed today.
He said that both individuals and groups in the Christian community have come forward with pledges to help the congregation reach an initial goal of $35,000 in a fund drive for reconstruction. Probate Judge Henry J. Gwiazda has been a key figure in the Christian support. He presented a check to the congregation at a meeting which approved plans to rebuild the Holy Ark, replace four Torah scrolls and repair water and fire damage.
One of the local churches offered its premises to the 200-member congregation. However, it was found possible to continue worship in the basement chapel of the 39-year-old synagogue building.
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