Heavy Flooding Hits 770 Chabad Center in Brooklyn, Students Quickly Save Books and Continue Learning

On Thursday evening, intense rains caused significant flooding at the 770 Chabad headquarters in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood. Water inundated the main study hall and basement areas, prompting yeshiva students to swiftly relocate books and tefillin from lower shelves and cabinets to higher, safer places. Despite the flooding, the students continued their Torah study in unaffected areas, including the women's section.

The 770 cleaning crew was mobilized immediately to mop up and clean the affected zones once the rain subsided. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for Brooklyn and Manhattan from 5:40 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., with flood watches extending until 2 a.m. Friday, forecasting rainfall rates up to two inches per hour in some areas.

While flooding at 770 during severe storms is not uncommon, this event was less severe than previous ones, thanks to extensive drainage improvements and repairs made by the 770 administration. The historic building has faced various challenges in recent years, including a deliberate vehicle collision causing major damage. The flood occurred shortly after a thorough cleaning of the main study hall in preparation for the Jewish month of Tishrei. Nevertheless, the students' dedication to Torah study remained unwavering despite the adverse conditions.