A devastating fire tore through the Chabad of South Bergen County in New Jersey during the early hours of Thursday morning, leaving behind a scene of total destruction and heartbreak for the local Jewish community. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the building—home to years of Torah learning, community events, and spiritual growth—was completely lost in the blaze.

Emergency services responded quickly to the alarm around 2:30 a.m., but the fire had already engulfed the structure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details.

Led by Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky, the Chabad served as a spiritual home for hundreds of families and a center of outreach and education. In a statement, Rabbi Kanelsky expressed gratitude that no lives were harmed and emphasized that “while the building is gone, the spirit of our community is unshaken.”

Community members have begun organizing recovery efforts and fundraising to rebuild. The loss has also prompted an outpouring of support from across New Jersey and beyond, with neighboring Jewish organizations offering space and assistance for the coming High Holidays.

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Read the full article from the original source:
Yeshiva World News – Chabad of South Bergen County Destroyed In Devastating Early Morning Blaze
Source: YWN, August 2025