Last week, the OU’s Karasick Department of Synagogue Services in conjunction with Lenny Silverman, Executive Director of Congregation Kehilath Jeshrun (KJ) in New York City hosted a program for schools and shuls on “Disaster Planning and Insurance Policy Coverage.” The program was designed to heighten awareness and help communities think and act proactively rather than respond reactively. A tragic fire recently destroyed KJ but the shul was well protected by a very effective disaster-preparedness plan and an insurance program that will help it to rebuild. Fifty school and synagogue executive directors, presidents and board members participated via the web and in person. The program was coordinated by Yehuda Friedman, Associate Director of Synagogue Services, and included a presentation by Michael Brooks of Austin & Co., the insurance firm that advised KJ in arranging their coverage. A video of the program can be seen here.