An electrical fire raced through a wing of the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore in Plandome, L.I., Monday, forcing the evacuation of 75 nursery school children and about 20 teachers and staff. There were no injuries.
Sylvia Jacobs, the synagogue’s executive director, said the blaze was discovered shortly before 11 a.m. in a wall leading to the basement. It destroyed a men’s room, hall carpeting and a portion of the roof before firemen from six departments extinguished it.
After everyone was evacuated, firemen gave them permission to re-enter the building to remove the congregation’s four Torahs from a wing not affected by the fire. She said the congregation expects to have power restored by the end of the week and plans a "service of thanksgiving" on Friday night.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
