California Wildfires: Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Destroyed, Torahs Saved in Daring Rescue

The devastating California wildfires of January 2025 left a trail of destruction in their wake, claiming homes and landmarks alike. Among the casualties was the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (PJTC), an 84-year-old synagogue serving a vibrant community of 435 families. However, amidst the tragedy, a story of courage, community spirit, and unwavering faith emerged as quick-thinking individuals risked their own safety to rescue the temple’s sacred Torah scrolls.

A Race Against the Flames: Saving the Sacred Torahs

On January 7th, as the Eaton Fire raged across the mountains near Pasadena, Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater, a former rabbi of PJTC, witnessed the approaching inferno. Recognizing the imminent danger, he contacted Cantor Ruth Berman Harris, urging her to meet him at the temple. Together with the temple’s caretaker, they embarked on a daring mission to salvage the irreplaceable Torahs, the handwritten scrolls containing the five books of Moses, central to Jewish faith and tradition.

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As smoke filled the air and embers began to fall, Grater, Harris, her husband, and the temple president carefully loaded eleven main Torah scrolls, along with several smaller ones, into two vehicles. With roads closing rapidly, they navigated through smoke and falling debris, escaping just moments before the fire engulfed the temple. Harris recounted the harrowing experience, describing the unbearable smoke and the fear of being trapped.

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Witnessing the Devastation: A Community in Mourning

Melissa Levy, the temple’s executive director, received the devastating news while at home with her children. She listened helplessly on speakerphone as the rescue operation unfolded, then watched in disbelief as the historic building was consumed by flames on live television. The loss extended beyond the physical structure; the fire also claimed the homes of several PJTC members, including Rabbi Grater himself. Returning to the ashes of his home, Grater discovered a poignant reminder of resilience amidst destruction: a surviving copy of “Sacred Fire,” a book by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a Polish rabbi who led his community during the Holocaust.

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Rising from the Ashes: The Spirit of Community Endures

While the physical rebuilding process will undoubtedly be lengthy, the PJTC community wasted no time in resuming their spiritual life. Just days after the fire, Shabbat services were held at a local school, utilizing donated prayer books and supplies. Sunday school classes also resumed, providing a sense of normalcy and support for families who had lost their homes. The rescued Torahs, temporarily housed in a congregant’s home and a local vault, became symbols of hope and continuity.

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Rebuilding a Legacy: More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

The destruction of the PJTC building served as a stark reminder that a community is built on more than just physical structures. The outpouring of support from neighboring congregations, the resilience of the PJTC members, and the heroic efforts to save the Torahs demonstrated the enduring power of faith, community, and shared purpose. As Cantor Harris eloquently stated, “We can create a sanctuary anywhere, as long as we have the Torahs.” The PJTC community, though grieving the loss of their beloved synagogue, remains steadfast in their commitment to rebuild, both spiritually and physically. Their story stands as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere even in the face of unimaginable loss.

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The rebuilding process will be long and challenging, but the spirit of the PJTC community remains unbroken. They are actively searching for a temporary location to continue their services and programs, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining their strong community bonds. The fire may have destroyed their building, but it could not extinguish their faith or their determination to rebuild. The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center will rise again, a testament to the enduring strength of community and the power of hope.