The Reform Jewish community in Chile following the earthquake

9 MAY 2010 | 25 IYYAR 5770

Dear Friend of the World Union,

The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile on February 27 devastated a historic congrega­tion, the Sociedad Israelita Max Nordau in Valparaso. This Sephardic congregation, established in 1916 by immigrants from Turkey, is the oldest Jewish congregation in Chile. It affiliated with the World Union for Progressive Judaism in 2007.

While, thankfully, there were no fatalities or major injuries among the congregation (two children suffered from psychological trauma and are being treated), the building housing the synagogue was completely destroyed. Ovadia Valencia, a congregant and firefighter with the Jewish volunteer fire corps Bomba Israel, rescued the congregation's Torah scrolls and other ritual objects; however, most of the furniture and the rest of the congregation's assets could not be saved.

Perhaps most tragically, the 85-year-old woman who took care of the synagogue and lived on the premises, lost her home. Susana Albahari is the granddaughter of the congregation's founding rabbi, Rabbi Salomon Albahari. She was rescued by Mr. Valencia as well, physically unhurt but in shock, and is now living temporarily in a small room two blocks from the destroyed synagogue. Ms. Albahari has few resources of her own and depends on the support of other congregation members.

The congregation had been renting its space, which is now beyond repair. Because of the congregation's limited resources, purchasing a new space is not an option; instead, the congregation must look for a different rented facility - a task made all the more difficult by a shortage of affordable spaces for rent in Valparaso. As they look for a new home for their congregation, congregants are holding services in people's houses. A new home for the congregation would also mean a new home for Susana Albahari.

Valparaso is Chile's main port, located about 80 miles northwest of the capital Santiago and home to the country's second largest Jewish community. The Valparaso congregation is one of three congregations in Chile affiliated with the World Union. The other two are Yakar and Ruaj Am, both located in Santiago. The two Santiago congregations, more distant from the earthquake's epicenter, were fortunate enough not to suffer major damage.

The World Union has established a fund to help the Valparaso congregation meet the costs of renting and moving to a new facility, as well as to assist Ms. Albahari. Initial contributions have already been received from generous supporters of the World Union. Please consider contributing as much as you can to this fund.

There are a number of ways you can contribute:

(1) Make a secure on-line contribution with your credit card by clicking here. Put "Chile Relief" in the "description" box and the amount of your gift in the "unit price" box.

(2) Phone the World Union at ( 1)-212-452-6530 to make a credit card gift. Indicate that your gift is for Chile Relief.

(3) Send a check payable to the World Union for Progressive Judaism, with "Chile Relief" on the memo line, to World Union for Progressive Judaism, 633 Third Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

(4) Canadian donations (check or credit card) must be made through: Canadian Friends of the WUPJ, 3845 Bathurst Street, Suite 301, Toronto, ON  M3H 3N2, Canada, Phone: +1-416-630-0375 (ask for Sandra Levy). Online donations in Canada can be made by clicking here (then click on the button that says: "Donate Now!")

All contributions are tax deductible as provided by law, and will be allocated in their entirety to the fund, without any deductions for administrative costs. The World Union will manage the fund and transfer proceeds to the congregation in Valparaso as needed. We have people and procedures in place in Chile to make sure all funds are expended effectively for the congregation's needs.

This is also an excellent opportunity for you to involve your congregation in helping another congregation overseas. We would be happy to share ideas for doing this with you.

B'shalom,


Rabbi Gary M. Bretton-Granatoor                  Jerry Tanenbaum

Vice President,                                               Chair,
Philanthropy                                                   Yad B'Yad Task Force

 

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