Lightning strike leaves synagogue worshipers in the dark after power outage in southwest Houston

Monday, September 10, 2018
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A synagogue in southwest Houston was left to start the Jewish New Year in the dark after a lightning strike hit a utility pole, causing the power to go out.

Temple Beth Yeshurun expected about 4,000 worshipers for Rosh Hashanah services Sunday at the synagogue along Beechnut.
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Centerpoint arrived to fix the power, which did not come back on in time for services.

The power finally returned Monday morning just after 6 a.m.

Power back on at synagogue


Despite having no electricity, the services went on without a P.A system or working air conditioning, with people carefully making their way into the dark synagogue to pray.



"We had a very intimate service. Everybody in the dark, holding onto each other, praying and singing. It was a short service. It was incredibly meaningful," said Executive Director Andy Burger.
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The temple was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. It spent $7 million to repair the damage.

It planned to unveil new seats as part of the repairs, but had to wait due to the power outage.

Synagogue loses power


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