the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RUTHERFORD, NJ — The investigation into the devastating Aug. 8 blaze that destroyed the historic Congregation Beth El synagogue has officially closed, with officials saying the fire’s cause may never be known.
Police Chief John Russo confirmed that damage to the 1890s Queen Anne-style building was so severe that investigators could not pinpoint what sparked the inferno. “This burned so fast and so hot, it collapsed upon itself,” Russo said. “There was nothing left to examine.”
Despite initial fears within the Jewish community — fueled by a history of antisemitic incidents — law enforcement agencies have found no evidence of foul play. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Rutherford Police Department, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the ATF, and local fire officials all worked the case, concluding the fire was not suspicious in nature.
Rabbi’s Family Escapes in the Nick of Time
At 2:45 a.m., Rabbi Yitzchak Lerman, his wife Bina, and their four children were jolted awake by smoke alarms. Flames had already consumed the outside of the building. The family escaped in pajamas, unable to save the synagogue’s Torah scrolls — the most sacred items in Judaism.
“It was a miracle that we were saved,” Lerman said. Two of the seven Torahs were recovered in damaged form and will receive a traditional burial through the Jewish genizah ritual.
A Century of History Lost
Congregation Beth El’s roots date back to 1919, moving into the Montross Avenue location in the early 1950s. The building’s ornate woodwork, Tiffany windows, and sweeping staircase made it a local landmark. Over the decades, it welcomed worshippers, hosted cultural events, and even saw visits from celebrities like Bob Dylan and Elie Wiesel.
This was not the synagogue’s first encounter with danger. In 2012, it was the target of a firebombing attack that resulted in the conviction of two men under New Jersey’s domestic terrorism law. The congregation and building survived that incident — but this time, the flames proved unstoppable.
Community Support and Rebuilding Efforts
In the wake of the tragedy, donations have poured in from across New Jersey and beyond. Local clergy, residents, and civic leaders have rallied around Rabbi Lerman and his congregation.
“This is where we see the power of kindness,” said Rabbi Mendy Kaminker of Chabad of Hackensack. “People are inherently good. The whole community came together to support the rabbi and his family.”
While the cause of the fire may remain a mystery, one thing is clear: Congregation Beth El’s spirit lives on, and plans to rebuild are already underway.
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