- United Orthodox Synagogues campus is being demolished. (Photo Credit: Photo via United Orthodox Synagogues' Facebook page)
- United Orthodox Synagogues campus is being demolished. (Photo Credit: Photo via United Orthodox Synagogues' Facebook page)
- United Orthodox Synagogues campus is being demolished. (Photo Credit: Photo via United Orthodox Synagogues' Facebook page)
An Orthodox Jewish synagogue in Houston is being demolished Monday, April 9, 2018.
ABC 13 reported that during Hurricane Harvey, the United Orthodox Synagogue‘s campus, located in the 9000 block of Greenwillow Street, flooded for the third time in three years.
The sanctuary was a staple of the community, hosting countless events from bar mitzvahs to weddings and funerals.
“I think we all will be saying a special prayer to give everybody strength and fortitude to continue on,” said long-time member Linda Freedman Block, whose relatives helped build the synagogue decades ago.
The farewell service for the synagogue was held in February.
The congregation decided it was time to demolish the main building, including the sanctuary, offices and classrooms in December.
Damage from the floodwaters caused extensive damage to the facility, including prayer books and religious texts.
“We will continue to be a religious center for the Jewish community of Houston,” said Rabbi Barry Gelman.
The congregation is made up of more than 300 families who live in the nearby neighborhoods.
The congregation is in the process of raising more than $6 million for new construction.
This morning, April 9th, the demolition of the #United_Orthodox_Synagogue (UOS) has began. A sad sight, but I am more than confident that the UOS community will overcome and flourish in the days to come. pic.twitter.com/E7IbpY57Su
— Gilad Katz (@CG_GiladKatz) April 9, 2018
. #RoadToRecovery : United Orthodox Synagogue (UOS) of Houston preparing for #RoshHashanah services despite flood damage #abc13 pic.twitter.com/LegG6sjXw2
— Kevin Quinn (@imkevinquinn) September 20, 2017