Thieves steal car and Torah from Brooklyn synagogue

Police have recovered a Torah worth an estimated $30,000 after thieves stole the keys from a synagogue. The Rabbi and community are relieved. The thieves likely did not appreciate the value of the Torah, which might have been hard to sell anyway.

BROOKLYN, NY (Catholic Online) - Rabbi Binyamin Tamaiev said he left his keys in the Synagogue and his car parked just before the start of the Sabbath of Friday afternoon. After services, he walked home.

When he returned at sunset on Saturday, his keys, and his car were gone. Inside the car was a torah, worth an estimated $30,000, which he was repairing.

For Jews, Torah scrolls are exceptionally precious.

Rabbi Tamaiev said he could not forgive himself, and that he felt as though a house had burned.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind, offered a $3,000 reward for the return of the Torah.

Police later found the vehicle, Torah inside, just a few blocks away. The Torah was returned.

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