Rabbi and family escape uninjured as historic New Jersey synagogue is destroyed by fire.

A significant fire incident occurred early Friday morning, resulting in the complete destruction of Congregation Beth El, a historic synagogue in Rutherford, New Jersey, which had stood for 125 years. The fire broke out around 2:50 a.m. and rapidly escalated, forcing Rabbi Yitzhock Lerman, his wife, and their four children to escape the building just moments before its structural collapse.

The family’s timely evacuation from the residence located within the synagogue was facilitated by their early awareness of the flames. John R. Russo, the chief of police for Rutherford, stated that the family exited the premises as the building began to give way. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a result of the fire, which has raised concerns in the community regarding safety and security.

Investigators are currently looking into the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined at this time. Chief Russo indicated that there is no evidence to suggest that the blaze was intentionally set or criminal in nature. This inquiry follows a previous incident in 2012 when the synagogue was targeted in an antisemitic attack. During that incident, a 19-year-old threw a Molotov cocktail at the building, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability faced by places of worship.

Congregation Beth El, founded in 1919, has long been a cornerstone of the local Jewish community. Originally constructed as a residential home, it underwent renovations to serve as a house of worship. Mayor Frank Nunziato highlighted that the building’s age, along with its wooden structure and varnished interior, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, illustrating the dangers associated with old edifices.

Firefighters worked diligently to combat the flames, but ultimately, the synagogue was rendered irreparable. The fire prompted community members to express their shock and concern over the loss of such a significant landmark. As investigations continue and the community processes this tragedy, there are hopes for recovery and rebuilding in the future.

The events surrounding this fire serve as a reminder of the importance of fire safety in older buildings, particularly those that hold meaningful cultural and historical significance. As congregations across the nation reflect on this incident, it raises awareness about both the physical preservation of historic sites and the vital role they play in community identity.