When New Orleans went through hurricane Katrina, Jews took the Torah's out of the Synagogues?

Question

Did Christians and Muslims do the same with their holy books?

Or were they left?

Answer 1

Our Torah is a little different than the Christian Bible or the Korah. Our Torah scrolls are printed by hand to exacting standards and are not replaceable. I think it is different with their books. I don't think it means they care less about them but or their contents but our scrolls are one of a kind. Theirs are mas produced so its easy to get a copy.

The Torah scrolls that were damaged beyond use were buried. In one case, the church secretary, a Christian woman buried the ruined scrolls when no one else could.

I would assume the current weather situation has prompted removal of the Torah scrolls this time. Last time we lost some. This time, hopefully, we won't.  

Answer 2

Christians and Muslims do not have the same attitude towards things that have the name of God written in them.

As there is a method of disposal and a particular place for Tanakhs that are no longer serviceable, I would have assumed that the ones that are known to be in danger of destruction would be removed if possible. It's the same reasoning behind the G-d convention - you do not write the name of G-d where it might be treated casually.

I have seen Christians throw a Bible in the recycling bin when its pages started to fall it. I do not know if Muslims would do that sort of thing with the Koran, but I would be shocked if I saw a Jew do so.

Answer 3

A Torah scroll costs about $30,000.

Try this search for more info:

torah + "New Orleans" + katrina

Edit:  Oops.  I forgot who asked the question.  Hopefully some of the answerers are interested in these web sites.  I know you're familiar with the event as well as the cost of a Torah.

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Answer 4

It is different. Come on. Actually most muslims have memorized it.

Answer 5

A Torah is different, Christian Bibles are mass produced and can easily be replaced.

Answer 6

We would never allow this to happen so i believe that the Torah was taken out but my question for you is where are they going to be help at?

http://www.crownheights.info/media/4/200...

http://katrina.jwa.org/content/vault/ZAK...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/435372...

http://z.about.com/d/judaism/1/5/j/6/no_...

Answer 7

They did?

You know how?

Answer 8

I don't know my church's official policy, but I'd imagine that we'd try to remove various items from the church. Some of these things are artistic treasures that cannot be replaced. We can't exactly call up the people who did the carvings and art pieces over a century ago and have them whip up some new ones, so we'd probably try to save these items. I believe that someone would remove some of the altar goods (chalices and so forth). Some of these things are very old and irreplacable. As for sacred texts, we have them at home. The missals can easily be replaced.

Answer 9

I don't know for sure, but a Christian Bible is printed.  They cost, maybe one hundred dollars each, at most.

A Torah is hand written.  It costs tens of thousands of dollars to replace.

I think the Torah is much more important.

Answer 10

I don't know, specifically regarding what they did in N.O.  And I haven't ever had to pack a bag and run.  I hope I'm Spiritual enough to grab a Bible, but I do not know, since I haven't been there.

As far as policies of my church, the main Bible is the Pastor's and/or teacher's individual one they carry, and there are also many pew Bibles.  Many churches are built to be hurricane shelters, btw.

Answer 11

Books are replaceable.  Take of yourself and your family first.  I would take only the things that are absolutely essential.  

Answer 12

I can always get another set of scriptures...get the things that can't be replaced like pictures of loved ones, food/water you'll need. clothes. etc. and get out.