Two former members of Kingsbridge synagogue search for families of roughly 320 memorial plaques

What used to be Kingsbridge Center of Israel is now transforming into Grace Tabernacle Church. With that, two former members of the synagogue are hoping roughly 320 plaques make it into the right hands. My earliest memory, though, is actually going to Hebrew school. I'm probably two or three years old. My parents, my mother would take me over. For Richard Baum and Fred Smith, standing in what used to be their childhood synagogue brings back memories. I just, I walk by casually, and I see it's becoming a Grace Tabernacle, Grace Tabernacle will be here. So I said, can I come in and take a look? And the pastor was very gracious. After walking inside, the memorial plaques were still there. That's when Baum and Smith started a mission to return roughly 320 plaques to their families. I've been translating the Hebrew into English. Each golden plate honors the life of a former member of the congregation. The significance of the plaques is when somebody passes away, the survivors, a spouse or sometimes a child, will arrange to have the plaque made. And on the anniversary of the death, a prayer is said for each person. The pastor of the new church moving in shared a few words about the work that Baum and Smith are doing. I just want to honor Fred and Richard for their hard work. Obviously, this is going to be very meaningful. If you know a friend or family member that had a plaque inside the synagogue, we have information on how you can reach out on news12.com. In Kingsbridge, Erica Lunsford, News 12.