Rutherford Synagogue Destroyed, Community Plans Rebuild

A devastating four-alarm fire destroyed Congregation Beth El, a historic synagogue and community center in Rutherford, New Jersey, early Friday morning. The blaze began around 2:45–3:00 a.m. while Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman, his wife, and their four children were inside, but all escaped unharmed with neighbors' help. The synagogue, which had served the community for over a century and survived a 2012 firebombing, collapsed within an hour. Firefighters from multiple towns responded amid recent grief over the loss of one of their own, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the congregation is now soliciting donations and planning to hold outdoor services while rebuilding. Local officials and community members have praised the firefighters' dedication during the tragedy.