Philanthropist Brings His Golden Ark to Bais Rivkah

By COLlive reporter

Businessman and philanthropist Lewis Topper, who divides his time between New York and Florida, paid a special visit to Crown Heights, where he was given a warm and inspiring tour of the neighborhood by Rabbi Moshe Pinson, Bais Rivkah’s Director of Development.

The visit began at Bais Rivkah School, where Mr. Topper was greeted by students and staff, and members of the Board. Class after class came down to meet him, and enjoyed a special viewing of his project, a replica of the Aron Habris of the Bais Hamikdash.

The replica, plated in pure gold, is not an exact reproduction, but provided students with a powerful way to appreciate the dimensions and significance of the Aron.

The creation of the stunning replica was funded by Topper, who led its creation as a passion project. It took 17 volunteers, who live in several countries, three-and-a-half years to build the replica ark, which is made out of donated gold and some three tons of Egyptian Acacia, according to Yaakov, the project’s chief architect.

The handling of the replica is also important to him, and he only allows Leviim to touch or lift it. It was carefully transported to Bais Rivkah for the event by Mordy Werde and Moshe Leeds, who are Leviim.

Topper expressed deep admiration for the school, praising its educators and principals for their dedication to raising the next generation of Jewish leaders.

“He was blown away,” shared Pinson. “He kept saying these are the future leaders, fighting for education, for Jewish pride, and against antisemitism.”

Topper also visited the new Bais Rivkah building, the women’s Mikvah, the future site of the new Bais Shmuel building, and Rubashkin’s Sukkah, expressing amazement at the vibrant life and joy that define Crown Heights.

“He said, ‘If I had to give G-d advice, I’d tell Him to bring the Beis Hamikdash to Crown Heights,’” Pinson recounted with a smile. “He was completely overwhelmed by the love, the happiness, and the sense of purpose he witnessed here.”