Lonnie Zarum Schaffer
When the storm hit, Lonnie Zarum Schaffer evacuated with her family, first to Chicago, then to her native London. She returned in January 2006 and immediately began working to reopen her Orthodox synagogue, Anshe Sfard. When the synagogue’s leadership, who believed they could continue managing everything from afar, changed the locks to prevent members from using the building without their permission, Schaffer stepped up. She organized cleanup efforts, kept the Hebrew school running, and forged important bonds with other Jewish organizations throughout the area. In 2007 she became the new synagogue president. Through her efforts, she revitalized the shrinking membership and helped the landmark synagogue regain its place as part of a vital, growing community.
To view Lonnie Zarum Schaffer's full interview, please visit the Internet Archive.
