Rutherford Synagogue Destroyed in 4-Alarm Fire; Community Vows to Rebuild

Devastating Fire Engulfs Synagogue

• 🔥 A massive 4-alarm fire completely destroyed Congregation Beth L in Rutherford, New Jersey, just before 3 AM.
• ⏳ The 125-year-old structure, a community hub for over seven decades, was engulfed in flames, leading to its collapse.
• ⚠️ Firefighting efforts were challenging due to live wires and the building's instability.

No Injuries Reported, Rabbi and Family Safe

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The rabbi and his family, who lived on the premises, narrowly escaped the inferno after hearing the fire alarm.
• 📜 The rabbi attempted to retrieve Torah scrolls but was unable to due to the rapid spread of the fire.
• ✅ Miraculously, no one was injured in the blaze, which firefighters battled for over 8 hours.

Investigation Underway, Past Incident Recalled

• 🔍 The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with the Bergen County arson squad on scene.
• 🗓️ This incident is not the first fire at the synagogue; a similar event occurred in 2012 when an object was thrown at the building, causing a fire.
• ❓ Authorities have stated there is no immediate indication connecting the current fire to the previous incident, but all possibilities are being considered.

Community Vows to Rebuild

• 🤝 Despite the devastation, the congregation is committed to rebuilding at the same site.
• 💰 A fundraiser website has already been established to support the rebuilding efforts.
• 💬 Residents expressed shock and sadness witnessing the destruction of the longstanding community building.