By COLlive reporter
A Torah which was stolen from Chabad of Monticello – Landfield Avenue Synagogue is now about to be returned to its rightful owners.
Rabbi Benzion Chanowitz was in Brooklyn on Tuesday when he received the news that the Torah had been found after an investigation by the Monticello Police Department.
Rabbi Chanowitz immediately returned to Monticello to identify the Torah and check on its condition. Thankfully, it seemed to be in good shape, he reported, even though he could not touch or examine it as of yet due to the investigation.
“We are so excited and thankful that finally we can be reunited with our dear Torah,” said Chanowitz.
Chris Collvil, a resident of Woodridge, NY, located near Monticello, was arrested on Tuesday for the crime. The Torah was found at the house where he was staying, while he does work for a local landlord. Another person was arrested, but was released shortly afterwards.
Collvil is known at the Chabad Synagogue, Chanowitz said. He had been employed to do work on the building by contractor Don McBride after the synagogue sustained smoke damage about a year ago. He has also helped other workers at the synagogue in the past.
“Chris was known as a bull,” said Chanowitz. “He is very strong physically, so jobs that required a lot of strength were given to him. Though he is a large man, he has a soft side to him, which makes him likeable.”
The man was on the suspect list from the beginning, as he had contacted the Chabad House to ask for a job only days before the break-in. The synagogue doors which had been busted in without any tools also led police to search for the man who was known for his great strength.
After a three week search by the local police department, together with neighboring Liberty and Fallsburg Police Departments, the state Police, the Sheriff’s Department and the D.A.’s office, they finally caught up with the thief.
Chanowitz said they were hoping to welcome the Torah back to the Synagogue this week, but the police are keeping it until the investigation is over. When it is returned, a parade and celebration are planned to welcome it back home.
“So many of us, as a community, got involved, prayed and cared about getting our Torah back,” said Chanowitz. “United, we succeeded. When we work together, there is so much that we can accomplish.”
During the speeches, the Rabbi publicly thanked The Almighty for His miracles. He also thanked all the various law enforcement agenncies involved.
The investigation is not over yet, we do not yet know the full picture
maybe the members are giving the rabbi a standing ovation and they just finished clapping.
local Monticello police department, Liberty and Fallsburg Police Departments, the state Police, the Sheriff’s Department and the D.A.’s office were all involved. surprised the FBI weren’t called.
After all, since the rabbi could not touch or examine it as of yet due to the investigation, it may or may not be the Stoliner Torah.
the police kochos…. ye
MAMASH B’gol’oy. L’chaim x4.
in the photo, everyone is standing while Rabbi Chanowitz speaks to member of his community. Is he reading the Rebbe’s letter or something???
Ain somech al hanais. A strong Safe would have kept out an elephant never mind a bull!
kabdeihu vechashdeihu
It is mamosh a nes u’mofes that the sefer Torah was recovered. It is a relief that the thief was a non-Jew, since Rabbi Chanowitz told the local media that he suspects a Jew was involved. “…as hard as it may be to believe that a Jewish person would do such a thing,”said Rabbi Benzion Chanowitz. After thanking Hashem for the recovery of the Torah to its rightful owners, I believe it is important to rectify this unfounded accusation in a public forum. I believe that both a thank you to Hashem and the local police plus an apology to… Read more »
GET SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS. and hatzocha rabboh
Such a Simcha when a Sefer Torah is found!