A Chabad House in San Jose, CA, was destroyed by a fire on Wednesday morning. The building had served as a community center and shul led by shluchim Rabbi Mendel and Mussie Weinfeld.
By Anash.org reporter
A fire destroyed the Chabad House in the Almaden neighborhood in San Jose, CA, on Wednesday morning.
Pictures taken after the fire was extinguished show extensive damage to both floors of the building, which had housed a shul and a Hebrew School, led by shluchim Rabbi Mendel and Mussie Weinfeld.
“Thank G-d, everyone is safe. Our Torah scrolls and some of the holy books were recovered,” they said. “Unfortunately, severe damage was done to the building.”
According to community members, the cause of the fire is under investigation by police.
“We are in shock and devastated by the fire,” Rabbi Weinfeld said. “But we are also optimistic about rebuilding our Jewish community center bigger and greater!”
Maryann Barsky, a member of the community, started a fundraising campaign to help rebuild the Chabad House.
“We ask of the community to come together with love, support, and togetherness to help rebuild Chabad,” she wrote. “In the shadow of the fire, and amongst the ashes, a light of unity will shine brighter and much longer than the fire of destruction.”
To donate, please visit gofundme.com/rebuildchabad
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