Memorializing Ben Levy, whose widow was generous to Mishkon (Condition Report)

A LACONIC PLAQUE on the north wall of our bimah states that our congregation will say Kaddish eternally for Ben Levy on his yohrtsayt, the 16th of Tevet. Indeed, we did so on the Shabbat immediately preceding the 100th anniversary of his death, just a few weeks ago.

Over the years, the synagogue has gone to some lengths to keep Mr. Levy’s name alive—apparently to accord with promises that were made to his widow.

Below the jump, this post documents five signs about Ben Levy that have been posted at Mishkon through the years. In addition, his impressive and informative tombstone is discussed.…

Completion Report: Restoring the Finish of the Ark’s Columns

THIS PROJECT, which was completed this week, involves a historically significant component. Therefore this post follows the report template that was provided in the 2003 Historic Structures Report, being recommended for all historic-cultural monuments. The post includes before-and-after photos.

For background, see HERE.

Wanted: Can You Patch Faux-Wood Lacquer?

OUR ARK CAN USE some tender loving care. As you presumably know, it is graced on either side by columns. What you may not realize is that those columns are made of sheet metal that is coated with what seems to be lacquer. Unfortunately, that coating, which is painted to look like wood, has chipped off in places. 

Close-up of chips in the surface of our ark’s columns

Would you like to be the one to fill in the chips — and thus restore the ark? Do you know someone who would be qualified to do so?

The 2003 Historic Structure Report noted that “the Classical Revival–style ark is … made of galvanized steel.” (That surface is the gray color in the photo.) 

A sign visible in a photograph documenting what seems to have been the original dedication in 1948 stated that the “Oron Kaydesh” (אָרוֹן קוֹדשׁ, ark) was donated by Mrs. Ben Levy.

UPDATE, 9/9/22:  See the Completion Report HERE.