A wildfire has devastated the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, leaving only its sacred Torah scrolls intact, thanks to the swift action of Cantor Ruth Berman Harris and a few dedicated individuals. The flames consumed the 80-year-old synagogue, along with several other places of worship in the vicinity, including a mosque and churches from different denominations. Many members of these communities were affected, joining the thousands of residents displaced in the area. As the looming threat of additional fires persists, spiritual leaders face the daunting tasks of providing solace to their congregations while contemplating the road to recovery and rebuilding.
“The structure is virtually unrecognizable now; there’s almost nothing left except for a couple of walls,” remarked Melissa Levy, the executive director of the Pasadena Jewish Center. Despite the destruction, hundreds of congregants have visited the site to say farewell to the meaningful spaces where they celebrated important life events.
Berman Harris, together with her husband and a couple of others, bravely entered the temple to save the Torah scrolls just moments before the flames took over the building on Tuesday night. “The Torah represents the heart of our community,” she explained, highlighting the urgency that drove her to act despite road closures that complicated their rescue attempt.
In addition to the Pasadena synagogue, numerous houses of worship were affected in Pasadena and Altadena. The Masjid Al-Taqwa mosque also suffered loss, with its imam losing his home amid the chaos, according to statements made by representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles. Altadena Community Church experienced similar devastation, along with homes belonging to members of its tight-knit congregation, which consists of approximately 60 individuals. “It’s alarming,” stated Rev. Paul Tellström, echoing the general sentiment of disbelief as members grapple with the fragility of life and faith in the face of disaster.
The unity of the church congregation was highlighted after they shared photos on social media depicting parishioners singing outside amidst the ruins. “WE are the church! We can worship anywhere,” the text accompanying the image proclaimed. “While this is a significant loss, it won’t hinder our mission; we are more than just a building,” rev. Tellström asserted confidently.
Meanwhile, Altadena United Methodist Church also suffered loss not only to its church building but also to members’ homes. Rev. J. Andre Wilson announced that although the physical structure was destroyed, the spirit of the congregation remains unbroken. This Sunday, they plan to hold a brief online service to maintain connection amidst the chaos. “We’re still the church, despite the loss of our building,” he remarked optimistically.
Plans for a wedding ceremony, a cherished moment for two recent congregation members, were also thwarted by the fire, leaving member Ricardo Springs II heartbroken. “It is incredibly upsetting, but I believe in our community’s resilience; God will see us through this tough time,” he said.
The repercussions of the wildfire were felt far and wide, with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church also falling victim to the flames. Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon posted on social media, sharing the sorrow over the church’s loss while organizing support efforts for affected community members. “We must rely on one another through these trying times,” she wrote in a heartfelt message of solidarity.
Further afield, the Parish of St. Matthew in Pacific Palisades reported that, while its church buildings are mostly intact, all clergy residences were destroyed. The church has engaged in online gatherings, providing support to its community during these difficult times. “Your prayers mean everything to us now,” expressed the school’s chaplain, underscoring the importance of communal faith.
Tragedy struck Corpus Christi Catholic Church, which was entirely destroyed in the fire, with its website displaying stark images of the charred remains of the building. Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church also succumbed to similar fates, posting contrasting pictures of their church before and after the devastation.
Among the destruction, faith leaders are committed to supporting the congregation members who lost their homes. With compassion and spirituality at the forefront, they work tirelessly to bring hope and assistance to those affected. “My faith remains strong,” insisted Levy of the Pasadena Jewish Center. “If anything, it has been strengthened by the outpouring of support we have experienced.”
While some synagogues are currently endangered, others have made arrangements to host services for congregants unable to access their regular houses of worship due to the fires. Community members have rallied together to provide resources, ranging from food and financial support to guidance on navigating their losses. “In my 32 years here, every person I know has lost their home,” said Rabbi Zushe Cunin, reflecting on the overwhelming impact felt throughout the area.
As residents contend with the aftermath of destruction, immediate aid remains the priority for Cunin, Levy, and Rabbi Noah Farkas. Their focus is on the urgent needs of congregation members who have lost significant possessions to the fires, ensuring that they do not face recovery alone. “Even those with ample resources have suffered significant losses,” Cunin stated, affirming a community-driven recovery ahead.
