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Defective Shabbat Timer Causes Fire in Chabad Shul

JERUSALEM, Israel — A defective Shabbat timer was apparently the cause of a major fire at a Chabad synagogue in the Givat Shaul neighborhood of Jerusalem over the weekend.

The fire, which broke out on Shabbat afternoon, did extensive damage to the building, but no one was hurt. The fire consumed many of the synagogue’s holy books, but the Torah scrolls remained safe, thanks to the steel safe they were stored in. They were later removed safely by synagogue members.

A worshiper in the synagogue confirmed to Arutz Sheva in an interview that the defective timer, which turns lights and air conditioners on and off, was the most likely cause. A short-circuit in the timer apparently generated sparks or a small fire, which quickly spread, the member said. “It’s a terrible sight to see,” he said in the interview. “It hurts to see a synagogue go up in flames.”

With that, he said, the Torah scrolls – the most important feature of the synagogue – were safe. “The firefighters extended themselves to ensure that the flames did not reach the Holy Ark where the scrolls are usually stored,” the worshiper said. The ark’s interior consists of a steel structure, which doubles as a safe to prevent the scrolls from being stolen. The safe also contributed to the scrolls’ safety, he said.

The scrolls were removed when firefighters succeeded in dousing the blaze. Synagogue officials, surveying the damage, feared the worst when they open the Ark, but to their astonishment, “there was a miracle and there was almost no damage to the scrolls, other than a little ash” that had gotten on them when the safe was opened, the worshiper said.

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5 Comments

  • Faivel M. Chandler

    A teachable moment! It is so important that use of all electric appliances does not exceed their rated capacity; avoid overloading circuits. And of course, in the event of fire, Shabbos no exception, it is essential to evacuate the premises, closing all doors on the way out. The fire department should be called at once–no delay–from outside the building. Unless trained on how and when to use fire extinguishers, leave the job to the pros! Stay safe; it’s a mitzvah!

  • lets rebuild better and nicer

    The Gashmiusdika appearance of the Shul even before the fire was not really befitting a house of Hashem (Midash. M’at).. and being that Noch a Srayfe Vert Men Raich, let’s rebuild this Shul with the beauty and respect it deserves.
    Where/how can one contribute?

  • Pinchos

    The building looks very inappropriate for a Shul, the whole structure needs to be demolished and rebuilt.
    It reminds me of a Third world scene.
    Hopefully the Chabad community will be graced by a beautiful new Mikdash Miat.