A devastating wildfire in Pasadena, California, brought unexpected challenges to the local Jewish community. On a fateful Tuesday evening, Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater noticed ominous flames creeping over the mountain near his home. Sensing imminent danger, he quickly alerted Cantor Ruth Berman Harris at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (PJTC), where Grater had previously served as rabbi for 12 years. The urgency of the situation prompted immediate action, with Grater and Harris joining forces to safeguard precious religious artifacts.

The temple's most sacred possessions, including numerous Torah scrolls, were hastily gathered and transported to safety. As smoke filled the air and visibility worsened, Harris and her husband managed to navigate through closed roads to reach the temple. Together with Grater and the temple’s caretaker, they loaded the Torahs into vehicles just before conditions became too hazardous. By 8 p.m., the group left the premises, narrowly escaping the encroaching firestorm. Meanwhile, Melissa Levy, the temple’s executive director, received distressing news that the historic building was engulfed in flames. Watching helplessly from afar, she witnessed the 84-year-old structure burn to the ground, along with many cherished memories.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the PJTC community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity. Despite losing their physical sanctuary, they have found strength in unity. Within days of the fire, the congregation held Shabbat services at a local school, supported by donations of prayer items from neighboring congregations. The community’s leaders, including Grater and Harris, have been instrumental in rallying members and organizing temporary spaces for worship and education. While the road to rebuilding may be long, the spirit of the PJTC remains unbroken. This experience has reinforced the belief that a community’s true essence lies not in its buildings but in the bonds shared among its people. Through collective effort and unwavering faith, the PJTC will continue to thrive, embodying the enduring power of human connection and compassion.