Synagogue Burns Down In 4-Alarm Fire In Bergen County

RUTHERFORD, NJ — A synagogue in North Jersey was destroyed in a fire early Friday morning, but the family inside was able to escape, officials said.

Firefighters headed to Congregation Beth El, in the Bergen County borough of Rutherford, around 2:45 a.m., said the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman and his family were able to make it out of the burning building safely, said local officials.

"This morning, Rutherford woke up to the terrible news that Congregation Beth-El’s Synagogue was lost in a devastating overnight fire," said Mayor Frank Nunziato. "I’m grateful to be able to report that its residents fled to safety and despite the severity of the fire, there were no injuries or loss of life."

The four-alarm blaze was still smoking during morning rush hour.

"There is a large structure fire currently being fought at the corner of Montross and Fairview Aves.," said the borough of Rutherford in a message just before 4 a.m. "Residents in the immediate vicinity are advised to be on the lookout for embers falling in their property and call 911 immediately if a fire starts," they said. "All emergency services are currently on scene. Please avoid the area."

Prosecutors Investigating

A spokesman for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said that the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Rutherford Police Department are investigating.

"Preliminary investigation has confirmed that there were no injuries at this fire," the spokesman said around 9:40 a.m. "The structure sustained significant damage and fire investigators and detectives will now need time to investigate.

"The scene is still active. Detours will remain in place for the time being and the public is asked to avoid the area."

The mayor sent out a statement around 8 a.m.

"Montross Avenue has been home to Congregation Beth-El since the early 1950s," wrote Mayor Nunziato, "and Rutherford has been fortunate to have its members active in our town. Every December, our Volunteer Fire Department has participated in the Menorah lighting and gelt drop at the synagogue during Hanukkah. I’ve been fortunate to count Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman as a good friend and he is a true community leader."

He added, "While I can’t imagine what Rabbi Lerman, his wife Bina, their family and their entire Congregation are going through, I know their faith will see them through this terrible time and on behalf of the entire Rutherford community, please know we are here for you and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers."

He said, "To Rutherford’s amazing Volunteer Fire Department: You turned out in the middle of the night while still grieving the loss of one of your own just days ago. I don’t have words that can appropriately describe the gratitude I, and the whole town, have for your dedication to keeping your neighbors safe. On behalf of the Borough of Rutherford, I thank you and I thank the many neighboring towns’ fire departments who provided mutual aid to battle this devastating fire."

"To our wonderful community: I know you’ll rally around Congregation Beth-El and the Lerman family, because that’s what Rutherford does. If you’re not sure what to do, simply act with kindness and gratitude wherever you go.

"And thank a firefighter today. At this time the Congregation kindly requests those offering help make a donation through their website https://jewishrutherford.org/. They are not currently in the position to accept items and thank you for your understanding. I will bring you updates as they become available."

The congregation was formed in town in 1919.

Was Firebombed Years Ago

In 2012, the synagogue, located at 185 Montross Ave., was firebombed, as was a temple in Paramus. A 19-year-old Lodi man was eventually charged in the incidents and held on $5 million bail, reported the New York Times. He was ultimately sentenced to 35 years in prison and recently lost an appeal.

NJ511 did not report traffic delays related to the fire, but said construction on Route 3 westbound near Route 17 in Rutherford would close a ramp until 3 p.m.

Patch will update this story when more information is available.