This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Vayikra, begins the Book of Leviticus with detailed instructions for how the Israelites cared for the sacred service of the Mishkan. The Torah reminds us that holiness is sustained not only through prayer and ritual, but also through the responsibility of caring for the spaces where our community gathers. In our own time, as we work to repair and restore our synagogue, we are reminded that tending to Beth Abraham is an act of devotion to the life of our congregation.
We continue to make steady progress in the recovery and restoration of our building since the flooding.
Last week we had a very productive walkthrough with the insurance adjuster, and we are pleased to report that all the necessary mitigation work has been approved. We are currently awaiting visits from an engineer and electrical consultant who will review our electrical system to ensure everything is safe and fully operational before their work proceeds further.
One of the many lessons we have learned through this process is just how damaging water can be – often far beyond the surfaces it touches. Even after all of the carpeting had been thoroughly dried, we discovered that there were several areas where the insulation below floor systems had been compromised and will need to be replaced.
While repair work throughout the building is happening, the current focus is on the second floor.
For the safety and security of the building, all on site workers have been issued key access cards. They have been instructed to keep all doors closed and secured at all times and not to allow anyone into the building. Strict safety protocols have been put in place.
We also continue to carefully monitor moisture and humidity levels throughout the building. To date, testing has NOT revealed any airborne issues such as mold.
If you need to stop by the synagogue for any reason, please contact the office in advance so they can coordinate access.
Thank you for your continued patience, support, and care for Beth Abraham as we move forward in restoring our sacred space.
The People Behind the Crisis
In moments of crisis, a community often discovers the quiet strength of the people who keep it running. Over the past 2 ½ weeks, three members of our staff have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, resilience, and care for our sacred space.
From the moment the pipe broke, Elaine Arnovitz, our Business Director, Sandra Kallenberg, Administrative Assistant, and Jason Archdeacon, Facilities Manager, were on the scene. What followed were long hours and difficult task carried out with calm determination and deep commitment. Sacred Torah scrolls and texts were carefully packed and moved to safety. Siddurim, chumashim, and treasured library books were secured and relocated. Throughout the night and days that followed, they worked tirelessly, to protect what is most meaningful to us.
Their efforts did not stop with safeguarding our building and its contents. They also ensured the continuity of our spiritual life. Services and programs were quickly relocated to the Federation, Temple Israel, and Beth Jacob Synagogue, requiring countless phone calls, planning, and logistical coordination, all handled with professionalism and grace.
This moment has remined us that it is the people who sustain us with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Our staff’s devotion to Beth Abraham has been evident in every step of this challenging time.
We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary efforts, steady leadership, and love for Beth Abraham.
A little more than two years ago, Beth Abraham experienced a water incident that, while disruptive, was contained to our administrative wing. Caused by a severe weather event, it was certainly inconvenient and stressful, but largely behind the scenes. Worship continued. Programs went on. Congregants walking through the doors on Shabbat might never have known the extent of the cleanup happening down the hall. It was a challenge, but it did not interrupt the rhythm of our community.
The crisis we now face is of a completely different magnitude.
This most recent event was sudden, extreme, and far-reaching, impacting almost every corner of our building. Unlike the earlier incident, this one has altered how and where we gather, our operations, and our daily congregational life.
DECEMBER 2022
This water issue was directly related to severe winter weather, with temperatures reaching approximately 30–40 degrees below zero. That rapid and extreme temperature change contributed to a frozen sprinkler head and subsequent water release.
Following that event, the system was modified to increase heat in the affected area to reduce the likelihood of freezing conditions that could lead to another burst pipe.
FEBRUARY 2026
A flow valve on the second floor and part of the main fire suppression supply line ruptured. This caused water to cover almost the entire second floor and subsequently the first floor. It is important to note that our sprinkler system is inspected annually as part of routine building maintenance practices. Both our sprinkler contractor and all of the fire personnel have never seen a valve rupture like this and both maintain that this is highly unusual.
REMEDIATION AND SAFETY
Professional environmental remediation services have been engaged, and the building will not be re-occupied until those professionals indicate it is safe to do so.
VOLUNTEERING
In the days since the incident, many of you have reached out asking the same simple and powerful question, “How can I help?” The work of repairing and restoring Beth Abraham will take time, coordination, patience, and probably include many tasks we cannot yet anticipate. To help us coordinate this efficiently, we have created a volunteer registry. If you are willing to lend your time or talents, please click the button at the top of the page and let us know how you can help.
The process of water mitigation has begun, and we are working closely with insurance adjusters and restoration professionals to develop a comprehensive recovery plan. At the same time, there are many building, construction, insurance, and related personnel on site. For everyone’s safety, please do not come to the synagogue until further notice.
We will communicate regularly through our weekly electronic News & Notes email to keep you informed as plans develop. Additionally, look for further updates on a new tab we are creating on our website entitled “Keeping You Informed“.
If you need to contact Rav Aubrey or any member of the office staff, please continue to call the synagogue office. While the building is physically closed, voicemail messages will be retrieved.
At approximately 5:30 pm Thursday, February 19, 2026, a sprinkler pipe burst in our building. The alarm was triggered immediately, but unfortunately the first and second floors sustained significant flooding before the water could be shut off. Water remediation began immediately.
Out of an abundance of caution, all of our Torahs, siddurim, chumashim, and library books have been moved from the building to protect them from further damage.
We are incredibly grateful to the many volunteers who worked through the night boxing up and safeguarding these sacred and valuable items. Their dedication and love for our congregation was truly inspiring.
We are currently in contact with insurance adjusters. At this time, we do not know yet the full extent of the damage or when we will be able to return to the building. After we have a better assessment, we will share that information with you.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support during these unfortunate circumstances.
Our building may be facing challenges, but our community remains strong.
