City and religious officials pledged to rebuild an even stronger congregation than the one prior to the fire. Watch video
NEW BRUNSWICK -- The Torahs and religious books destroyed in a fire that ripped through a historic synagogue last month were buried on Sunday, marking a new chapter in the congregation's 92 years.
On Oct. 23, a caretaker was alone at the Poile Zedek synagogue on Neilson Street when a fire broke out at around 4:20 p.m. Authorities have said the fire originated on the first floor of the building and appeared to be accidental.
The congregation's spiritual leader, Rabbi Abraham Mykoff, ran into the burning building to save the Torahs. But Mykoff was only able to save one of them before the ceiling fixtures started to collapse, he said. Nine other Torahs were destroyed.
No was injured in the fire. But the blaze gutted the interior of the structure and shattered the building's stain-glassed windows. Sprinkled among the charred remains are a few items - like kippahs and an artificial plant - that survived the fire.
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On Sunday, hundreds of community members, rabbis and city officials gathered at the steps of the synagogue for a ceremony and then a burial of the nine Torahs and hundreds of religious books destroyed in the fire.
City and religious officials pledged to rebuild an even stronger congregation than the one prior to the fire.
"It was a great tragedy, but heartwarming to see the public's support," Mykoff told NJ Advance Media before the start of the ceremony. "But hopefully we will rebuild even greater."
The executive director of the synagogue, Robert Dorfman, called the ceremony and burial "the most tragic day in the history of the congregation."
"But our sadness serves as a sourcing of strength," he said.
According to the synagogue's website, the Poile Zedek's building, located in the city's historic district, was built in 1923. A year later, it started housing services. The building was placed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places in 1995.
A large population of Orthodox Jews in the area now resides in nearby Highland Park, though about 100 families still belong to Poile Zedek, many of whom are Russian immigrants.
Speaking in front of the synagogue's facade, New Brunswick Mayor James "Jim" Cahill, a lifelong city resident who assumed office in 1991, said he first visited the synagogue 35 years ago for an afternoon service and lunch.
Cahill said the members of the congregation are "warm and full of compassion." The synagogue is one of the reasons New Brunswick is so special, he said.
"Fire may destroy buildings, even historical ones that mean a lot to us in the New Brunswick community, but it cannot break down the faith and the dedication to people willing to persevere," Cahill said.
"The Poile Zedek congregation is not discouraged," he continued. "Your spirits remain high, your faith immensely strong. Please know that the New Brunswick community stands with you as you rebuild into an even stronger community."
Many of those gathered dressed in black and held stoic expressions on their faces as they prayed in unison. Some even fought back tears.
Hadassah Geretz of Highland Park was among those gathered and had tears streaming down her face.
"I feel very, very sad," Geretz said after the service. "(The synagogue) is beautiful and historical. They don't have them like that any more."
Though not a member of the congregation, Geretz would frequent it regularly to doven, or pray. "It was beautiful and holy, and it's so sad that you can't do that anymore."
After the prayer service, the destroyed Torahs and religious books were hoisted into a van and driven slowly up Bayard Street, as the mourners, huddled in a group, trailed behind it. A burial was then held about 7 miles away at the Poile Zedek Cemetary on Joyce Kilmer Avenue.
The Torahs and readings were placed into a large hole, about 20-feet deep, where men with shovels threw dirt on top. A small plow was also used to cover them.
It's Jewish custom and tradition that Holy Scriptures and objects be buried when they are destroyed and cannot be restored.
Speaking to reporters after the burial, Myckoff, the leader of the congregation, said the lone surviving Torah has taken on a new meaning as it travels around to several congregations for services in Highland Park.
He said Poile Zedek has intentions to rebuild, but they are still waiting to hear back from officials on whether the building is salvable.
Another hurdle the congregation has to overcome: funding to rebuild. The building was dropped by its insurance company in March, Myckoff said. Even so, he is optimistic the Poile Zedek congregation will persevere.
"Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the future success for the congregation," Mycoff said.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.