Two years ago, after HCS-Chabad of Hollywood, directed by Rabbi Yossi Korf, was evicted on Tisha B’Av 5774/2014 from its premises reliving the “destruction of the Temple” all over again, Rabbi Korf and his community promptly announced the future return to their original premises.
In the spirit of the Talmudic dictum, “As the Temple in Jerusalem was burning to the ground, the redeemer of Zion was born”, so too Chabad of Hollywood had an abiding belief that the salvation was already “in the works”.
At the time, the banks were unwilling to negotiate with us and unbeknownst to the community, the new buyer had already cunningly swept the synagogue out from underneath us, directly from the bank. After many attempts to save the building were undertaken, and all legal remedies exhausted to no avail, Our community came by the dozens to pack up and help move everything on Tisha B’Av in the sweltering Florida heat in preparation for eviction on the following day. The gloom was palpable and “destruction” was tangible.
That year, Eicha had a visceral reality and wailing could be heard as HCS mourned its own “churban”. Some gave up, some lost hope and left, but a loyal base remained. With surprising encouragement from friends and Rabbis around the globe, our shul maintained its spirits and kept on ticking.
Services were promptly started in the Rabbi’s own home. After a few months HCS was breaking out and leased a weekend space in a private but larger clubhouse where services for Shabbat and holidays have been held since.
The journey has been arduous. But HCS has outgrown the usefulness and utility of the clubhouse. By the grace of G-d and His emissary, our Rebbe, new young members rose up and repurchased the original property with courage and perseverance. With their energy and wherewithal they ignited a flame and HCS is on its way to a bigger and even better future.
The work, however, is not yet over. It’s only the beginning. We must refurbish and rebuild the original building that was completely gutted by the bank and their buyer. Although, the work has started and funds have been expended we need help from you, our friends and supporters.
Our new Board of Directors and administration of young and energetic successful businessmen, women and laypeople are reaching out to you to assist us in some of the final financial burden. We’re appealing to you so we can finish the rehabilitation of our synagogue and move back in for the coming High Holidays. It is this last piece of the puzzle! This will help achieve our goal to serve one and all and expand our outreach services to the wider Hollywood community.
We’re looking for $50,000.00 to help us complete the renovations. We have so far raised about 20K but we are still short 30K to complete the renovations. Help us transform destruction into reconstruction. Darkness into light! This can easily be achieved in a short space of time. Our goal is to reach this amount within three weeks time so we can move in and begin our journey anew this Rosh Hashana and beyond.
I am not wealthy but this is for the rebbes shul. Just gave 18$
Everyone should do their part. I remember that when this happened 2 years ago, lots of people on here said they would’ve helped. Well, this is your chance!
Rabbi Yossi was Mekarev MANY to yiddishkiet. He has Many Bal Teshuvah who themselves have made many Balei Teshuva, whether in the capacity of shlichus (Yes! Some of his Mekuravim actually became Shluchim themself!) or “Stam BaleiBattim”.
He may not be considered “most happening” Shliach as perhaps he’s not the greatest fundraiser. But he puts most of us to shame with the many lives he’s turned around!
Help him!
Hello, please click on the link and donate with any credit card. Please donate as much as you possibly can. I go to the shul but I don’t have a penny to my name. Thanks
It says “click here to help”…. What’s your question?
Hope your pocket is also with them, just like your heart.
please let us know how we can help.
Yossi I am sending you 180$ now. I remember this and would like to help you.