Reader-Submitted: Hurricane Sandy And The Roberts Shul

In the midst of the horrific tragedy that Hurricane Sandy caused the town of Lakewood, we merited the blessing of countless acts of heroic kindness and selfless devotion to one another. I’d like to mention one small example of many, and it is directed to Kollel Ner Avraham, otherwise known as “Robert’s Shul.”

With many Batei Midrashim and Mekomei Torah lacking power, KNA became a refuge for many who had no place to learn. With an unlimited seforim supply, places to learn, and an expanded coffee room, KNA became an extension of the Yeshiva itself. It offered Ruchniyos as well as Gashmios comforts that to a small extent eased the pain and burden for those displaced either from their normal place of learning, or from their home itself.

Shabbos offered a greater Kiddush for those who had no electricity at home, offering hot food for those who wouldn’t have any upon their return home.

KNA has always been an added source of Torah and Avodas Hashem in Lakewood, but with the support of Rich Roberts and his dedicated Gabbai Avraham Carlebach, KNA once again showed itself as shining examples of what the fabric of this wonderful town is made of.

Thank you from a member of KNA.

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10 COMMENTS

  1. Not to take away however it wasnt only KNA it was all shuls acrross lakewood who hosted many yeshivos and served as reffue for those without power. Not to mention the many volunteers from both individuals and chesed org’s who were out in the cold helping people. Filling generators for those who needed it most providing shelter and comfort.
    The many mishpachos who at a moments notice put up guests for shabbos.

  2. I couldn’t agree more. “Horrific Tragedy”??? Are you kidding? Are we so self-centered that we fail to note that a major catasrophe was avoided? Did you know that 107 people died as a result of this storm? Are you aware of the destruction in Lower Manhattan, Staten Island, the Rockaways, Seagate where people lost EVERYTHING???? Where on earth have these entitlement feelings come from? My house, My tragedy, My electricity… Don’t get me wrong – this has been a very tough week for so many of us in Lakewood but we were spared what could have been a disastrous outcome! B”H! But please – where is the sensitivity for the millions outside of Lakewood? Jew and non-Jew alike? We are all G-D’s children and we don’t know why He put us through this but reach out with your hearts and hands to help others! Financially, physically, emotionally… Climb out of your 4-cubits and see the greater story here!

  3. I agree. Losing power was a HUGE inconvenience but you cant even compare that to what happened to other towns in NJ. You cannot refer to this situation as a tragedy.

  4. Thank you Dr Roberts, you are a walking kiddush Hashem!

    Also, major shout out thank you to Tomchei Shabbos for helping us all with freezer space!

  5. Almost every other Shul in the 14th Street/Case Road neighberhood was open as well. Ner Dovid, Zichron Schneur, Lev Avos, Khal Chasidim, Kol Aryeh. They all offered lights, seforim, coffee and more. And many other shuls in Lakewood that were with power did so as well. Let’s not single out anyone and leave out the others.

  6. Are you feeling like having a tantrum now that your regular Shul didn’t get accolades while an extraordinary Shul went to even greater lengths to make life sweet for people? Grow up!

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