Police Investigating Bombing of Temple, the Third in Less Than Two Weeks

Police here are continuing their investigation into the bombing Friday morning of Temple Beth Am. The temple, blasted by dynamite, was the third Rochester synagogue wrecked in less than two weeks and the ninth building including two Negro churches, to be bombed in the past four weeks. No injuries were reported in connection with the latest blast, which damaged every part of the one-story cinder-block synagogue, demolished offices and a kitchen, and broke windows in the temple and in nearby homes. The police said the blast was caused by “fuse bombs” of “considerably more than two sticks of dynamite.” Dr. Joseph Noble, spiritual leader of the Conservative synagogue, said the Holy Scrolls had not been damaged, “thankfully.” He attributed the explosion to “maniacs” who do not represent the community, adding: “I think the relation between all groups are excellent here, but when a society exists on violence and destruction it can’t long endure.” Temple Beth Am, with a congregation of 70 families, was established two years ago. It is situated in a residential area of Henrietta, in East Rochester, across the street from Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church which was not damaged. On Oct. 27, Temple Beth Sholom and the Light of Israel Sephardic Center were blasted within ten minutes of each other.