Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Torah Thief Yahweh Uncool


By

John Del Signore

Published Jan 27, 2009

Modified Jan 27, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

John Del Signore

Published Jan 27, 2009

Modified Jan 27, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

A Torah scroll worth $50,000 was stolen from a rented SUV in Crown Heights yesterday, the Post reports. 21-year-old Levi Havosha says he had just returned from vacation with members of the B'Nai Avraham Synagogue in Brooklyn Heights, and decided to leave the Torah in his vehicle overnight and bring it back to the synagogue in the morning. But when he returned the next day, he found the window smashed and the hand-inked Torah scroll missing. Havosha is praying for the Torah's return, and he also wants to make sure the culprits are aware what they've gotten themselves into: "You're not messing with people anymore, you're messing with God."

Tagged

rob

stolen

suv

thief

torah


John Del Signore

Twitter

Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

What NYers can expect as open enrollment for health insurance begins

Some consumers will face higher prices partly brought on by federal spending cuts.

By

Caroline Lewis

Published Oct 26, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. ET


Why New Yorkers should care about bats beyond spooky season

As Bat Week begins, state wildlife officials urge New Yorkers to protect bats, which play an important role in the environment.

By

Catalina Gonella

News

Why New Yorkers should care about bats beyond spooky season

As Bat Week begins, state wildlife officials urge New Yorkers to protect bats, which play an important role in the environment.

By

Catalina Gonella


Serbians forced to wait hours to vote at NYC consulate as Balkan nation holds election

By

Jill Webb

and

Michael Sol Warren

Retired NYPD detective charged in George Washington Bridge killing out on $1M bail

By

Michael Sol Warren

Suicides decline in NYC, but inequities persist across groups

By

Jill Webb


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .