Shabbat service held outside fire-ravaged Beth El synagogue in Rutherford

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office's arson squad believe it's not criminal.

Amanda Eustice

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Aug 9, 2025, 10:17 PM

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The Beth El congregation in Rutherford was undeterred on Saturday – attending a traditional Shabbat service on Saturday morning outside the synagogue that was devastated on Friday by a fire.

"The town next to us, Passaic, gave us the Torah, gave us the arch, gave us the books so we could pray,” said Penina Behar Klapper of Rutherford. “We will survive. We will rebuild and we will come back strong."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office's arson squad believe it's not criminal.