A fire broke out at the Birditchev Shul in Lakewood moments ago.
Smoke was seen coming from the Birch Street Shul shortly before 7 PM. A General Alarm was toned out.
There are no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
The Sifrei Torah were B”H saved.
UPDATE: Minyanim are running on regular schedule.
[TLS-58]
Hashem is sending a message that he’s waiting for the new Berditchev Kloiz to be built and that people should help move it along and donate.
Thank you rabbi Sydell for risking your life to save the holy Torah Scrolls
Cant imagine you mean that literally since obviously one is not allowed to risk his life for that
Please take the opportunity to contribute towards the new building.
Wow not one thank you to the firefighters
Hoidu lashem all is fine Lakewood needs this shul thanks to rabbi Sruly yelen for saving it
Tremendous gratitude to Sruly Yellen who if not for his alertness on spotting the fire,Berditchev may have burned to the ground We are eternally thankful Sruly!
Super shout out and thank you to the Lakewood Fire Department
— for their super fast response time, they were there in seconds – they got there before I did – and I was located closer
— for their sensitivity and accommodations for the shuls holy items – going out of their way to bring out what they can – and cover the rest in tarps
— for taking extra care and handling the fire with super kid gloves thereby minimizing collateral damage
Thank You Very Much
The Gabbai
@ Yeki,
Rabbi Sydell was escorted into and out of the building, by firefighters, only after it was deemed safe to do so and at no time was his life in any danger. We will not put civilian lives in harms way nor expose them to a life threatening situation. If a similar incident should arise and it is too dangerous to allow any non essential persons into the structure then a determination will be made by a commanding officer. If/when it is safe to do so, trained and properly equipped personnel will safely remove any Torah Scrolls (or similar sacred objects). Again, no civilians or non essential persons will be allowed entry in life threatening situations.
Thank you menchel and Mordechai and all those involved in the kloiz, for your instrumental help. May hashem repay you 100x for your good deeds.
V’chal mi she’oiskem b’tzarchie tzibur b’emuna, hkb”h yeshalaim scharam…