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A historic New Brunswick synagogue was badly damaged during a large fire Friday afternoon. It was the last orthodox synagogue in the city.
The fire started at Congregation Poile Zedek Orthodox Shul at 145 Neilson St. just after 4 p.m.
The synagogue is listed on the National Registry of History Places and was built in 1903. It services about 100 families.
One person was inside when the first started, but they were able to get out safely. There are no reported injuries.
Large flames and thick black smoke could be seen billowing out of the building. Part of the building collapsed due to the fire.
Congregants tell News 12 New Jersey that all but one of the Sifrei Torah were lost in the fire.
New Brunswick fire officials say that they believe the fire started in the basement, but that is still being investigated.
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2 Responses
BD’E
This was my shul…. It was a makom kadosh. This place was a hidden gem. People with all sorts of problems found their way here because of the legendary chesed and caring of the Rabbi- Rabbi Mykoff.
Many of the people that davened here in the morning were elderly Russian immigrants- this shul was there only connection to yiddishkiet.
This shul went through a lot, having its cemetary destroyed a few years ago by anti-semites, and now this….