Nov 1, 2009 7:17 pm US/Eastern
Couple Killed In India To Be Memorialized
PIKESVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
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It's been nearly one year since a coordinated terrorist attack in India killed 179 people. A Jewish ritual bath was dedicated Sunday to honor a local rabbi and his wife, who were among those killed.
CBS
It's been nearly one year since a coordinated terrorist attack in India killed 179 people. A Jewish ritual bath was dedicated Sunday to honor a local rabbi and his wife, who were among those killed.
As Tim Williams explains, the Lubavitch Center in Pikesville is ensuring the couple's legacy will not be forgotten.
At Mikvah Mei Menachem in Pikesville, the Lubavitch Center is dedicating its newest feature, a mikvah, or Jewish ritual bath, to honor a memory.
"First year anniversary of the murder of the terrorist victims. Mainly the head of the Nariman House, Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg," said Lubavitch Center Director Rochelle Kaplan.
Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg and his wife founded the Nariman House synagogue in Mumbai, India. Their works are depicted in a slideshow.
The cultural center served Israeli tourists and Mumbai's small Jewish community. It was among 10 locations attacked by terrorists during a three-day siege last November. The Holtzbergs were among 179 killed; their toddler was rescued.
A mikvah stands in tribute.
"It did take about one month to do the wall of remembrance. The plaque took a little longer until it got ready. A marble plaque reads, `May their merit be a blessing for all who immerse in these mikvah waters,'" said Kaplan.
Two others with Maryland ties were killed. Alan Scherr and his 13-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed by gunmen while dining in the Oberoi Hotel. Alan was raised in Baltimore and taught at Loyola College.
Donations in the couple's memory helped refurbish the mikvah, which serves about 50 women a month. Those women say that while the Holtzbergs' light was extinguished, they'll continue to shine through this room and the life of their son.
"This is a place of introspection. It is a place of dedication to God," Kaplan said.
The late rabbi's sister belongs to the congregation in Pikesville.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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