Telethon for flood damaged Chabad

An upcoming Chanukah telethon to be aired on WLNY-TV will help raise funds to benefit a Long Island Chabad that was severely damaged due to flooding last July.
While rebuilding the Beth Sholom Chabad of Mineola, which is also the headquarters of the National Council for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), its head, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, also hopes to open a worldwide Chabad Arts Center.
“Perhaps the flood can be viewed as a blessing in disguise,” Perl said.
The cost of the restoration and building project is about $500,000, which is the fundraising goal of the telethon. Work done on the shul would include replacing bathrooms, kitchens, windows, sheetrock, the boiler, carpeting and rewiring so that it will have the capacity for higher technology. They also will replace the Torah scroll and 4,000 books.
The reconstruction will also include building a “technologically advanced arts center.” Among its features will be a plasma television screen, video screening room, multi-media stage, drop-down screen and projector, and a piano. The goal is to hold various workshops, classes and performances that will focus on areas such as film, drama, music, photography, fine arts and food demonstrations.
The Chanukah telethon will be aired Sunday, December 9 from 7 to 11 p.m. on WLNY. It will be co-hosted by Rocking DJ Mickey B. Entertainment will be provided by Lipa Schmeltzer, the Neshoma Orchestra and the Chassidic “Dancing Rabbis.” There will also be videotaped appearances by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Jackie Mason and Neil Sedaka.
For more information, contact Perl at 516-739-3636.