Tuesday, February 12, 2013

HIKIND ANNOUNCES SAFE SHAIMOS DISPOSAL OPPORTUNITY

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

February 12, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release
718-853-9616 (office)


HIKIND ANNOUNCES SAFE SHAIMOS DISPOSAL OPPORTUNITY

“SHAIMOS ON THE STREETS IS UNACCEPTIBLE!”

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is delighted to announce the availability of a safe and respectful way to dispose of shaimos (books or other sacred objects which can no longer be used but may not be destroyed). The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has granted Beth Geniza Olam in Monroe, NY, authorization for the burial rights of religious articles recovered from cleanup efforts from the impact of Hurricane Sandy. This opportunity will also allow community members to bury other shaimos items during the coming month.

“Does anyone ever question what happens to their shaimos after it’s dropped in the back of a truck? They should,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Last year we had a disaster in Boro Park. We were appalled to learn that box upon box of shaimos had been abandoned and treated with utter disrespect.” When Boro Park residents discovered the abandoned shaimos, they contacted Assemblyman Hikind who saw to its disposal at Beth Geniza in Sullivan County, New York, which is overseen by the Vaad L’mishmeres Hashaimos.

Between the holidays of Purim and Passover, Beth Geniza will dispatch six 40-ft. tractor trailers to Boro Park, Flatbush, Lakewood, Monroe, Monsey and Williamsburg to collect books, documents, papers and other religious articles consisting of paper, cloth, leather and wood. Shaimos items will be buried under supervision in upstate New York. Beth Geniza is certified by the OU (United Orthodox Union), the CRC, among others.

“With Passover just around the corner, I’m delighted to announce this opportunity to turn over shaimos without having to worry about its safe and appropriate burial,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Thanks to Beth Geniza, hopefully we can avoid all desecration of shaimos this year.”
Truck with Shaimos abandoned last year in Boro Park.

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