| Dedication of the restored
Etz Hayyim Synagogue in Hania, Crete is scheduled for the weekend of October
10, 1999. The structural work on the historic building is completely
finished, and the windows
are framed and are about to be glassed. The spacious interior is
air conditioned, the forecourt (to be named the Lauder garden) is being
planted with plants and trees, and the small number of graves that have
been identified are being separated to ensure that the burial ground remains
separate from the place of worship.
Much remains to be done
before the October dedication, but a Torah Scroll has been donated.
A set of rimonim and a yad are still needed. Approximately $20,000 remains
to be raised to complete the new Ark, bimah and benches, which are being
constructed using traditional carpentry techniques and following traditional
designs (the exact appearance of the originals, however, is unknown).
Benches cost about $800 each and donors are welcome to sponsor a single
bench.
Kol haKEHILA readers
can contact Nicholas Stavroulakis, Director the Etz Hayyim Project,
Local Rep., For the Central Board of Jewish Communities of Greece, at
Box 251 73110 Hania, Crete, Greece, Tel & Fax: + 30 (821) 70-397,
and e-mail: dori@grecian.net.
To provide assistance, or to learn more about the planned events, consult
the Foundation's web page at: www.etz-hayyim-hania.org.
This article appeared in
the newsletter of the Etz Hayyim synagogue restoration. |
