Jewish communities rally to support members as California wildfires devastate homes and synagogues

As wildfires rage across California, Jewish communities are grappling with devastating losses, with synagogues, schools, and homes reduced to ashes. The fires, which have forced over 130,000 people to evacuate, have already destroyed nearly 1,900 structures from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Pacific Palisades, where the Palisades Fire the most destructive in Los Angeles history leveled entire neighborhoods, including Jewish institutions. Despite the devastation, rabbis and community leaders are rallying together to support those in need.

The Kehillat Israel synagogue remains standing for now, but many of its 920 families have lost their homes including Associate Rabbi Daniel Sher.

“We lost our home today,” Sher said, holding back tears. “But the most painful part is hearing, every five minutes, of more families who lost theirs.”

Despite his personal loss, Sher remains focused on his community:

“The synagogue still standing is one of the only glimmers of hope. We are a community, and we still stand. It’s going to be painful, but we will get through this together.”

Meanwhile, IKAR congregation in Los Angeles is offering refuge to displaced families. Rabbi Sharon Brous described the overwhelming need for support:

“This happened so fast. We reached out to the two hardest-hit shuls and invited them to join us for Shabbat. So many of our members have lost their homes, and we are just trying to help them navigate the uncertainty.”

Among the most heartbreaking losses are the Chabad of the Palisades and the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, both of which burned to the ground.

Rabbi Noah Farkas, President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, confirmed that Torah scrolls were saved from Chabad, but the destruction is immense.

“It’s devastating. We’ve seen fires before, but nothing like this having four fires simultaneously. The Pasadena Jewish Temple was such a beautiful place, and now it’s gone.”

Residents barely had time to flee as winds exceeding 75 mph spread embers miles ahead of the flames.

Playwright Wendy Graf, who evacuated her Mandeville Canyon home, described the chaotic scene:

“At 7:30 p.m., police came down the street yelling, ‘Evacuate! Evacuate!’ We barely had time to grab a few things before leaving for a hotel. Now, I hear the synagogue is gone, the high school is gone everything. It’s incomprehensible.”

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles is working around the clock to provide housing, food, and financial assistance to affected families.

As flames continue to spread, President Joe Biden has signed a federal emergency declaration, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the National Guard to assist firefighters.

Hollywood has also been affected, with Universal Studios closing its theme park and several productions halting filming. Celebrities including Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton have lost homes in the fires.

Despite the destruction, Jewish leaders remain determined to rebuild.

“We will hold each other up, even while broken,” Rabbi Sher said. “We will find a way forward.”

Jewish communities stand together in times of crisis. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on relief efforts.