A devastating fire early Friday morning destroyed Congregation Beth El Chabad, a historic synagogue and Jewish community center in Rutherford, New Jersey. Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman, his wife, and their four children escaped safely from their apartment inside the building as flames quickly engulfed the structure. Despite efforts to save sacred Torah scrolls, the fire rendered the building a complete loss.

The synagogue, founded in 1919, has long served as a cornerstone of the local Jewish community. Authorities responded swiftly to the scene, but the fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for rescue efforts. The cause of the blaze remains undetermined, though officials have stated it is not considered criminal.

Rabbi Lerman expressed hope for the future, sharing plans to work with firefighters to recover and respectfully bury the remains of the Torah scrolls. He has also initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support rebuilding efforts. The community has rallied in support, mourning the loss of a cherished institution.