Katrina’s Jewish Voices

In January, 2006 Hillel students from around North America repaired roofs in Biloxi, MS. Pictured are students from Brandeis and NYU along with Rabbi Allan Lehmann, Jewish Chaplain at Brandeis.

Congregation Beth Israel in Biloxi sustained serious damage to its building. It is the only Jewish congregation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They are currently holding services at Beauvoir Methodist Church. Beauvoir is the name of Jefferson Davis' plantation, which is located nearby.

Bridge to Biloxi, a Concord MA interfaith group with specific ties to Kerem Shalom, First Parish, Trinitarian Congregationalist, and St Irene's Carlisle, has been doing volunteer work in East Biloxi. We have sent down volunteer teams throughout the spring, including a youth group lead by Marni Kaplan-/Earle, representing Kerem Shalom. Further, we have met with Beth Israel Synagogue in Biloxi several times to assess their needs and offer assistance. Peter Hilton personally attended one of their...