(Jewish Daily Bulletin)
A lightning bolt destroyed the B’nai Abraham Synagogue on Lombard Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, early Saturday morning. The synagogue was one of the oldest in the city. It was in the heart of South Philadelphia.
The synagogue burst into flames almost immediately after it was struck by lightning at two o’clock in the morning. A fire alarm was turned in but the flames spread so quickly that it was necessary later to turn in second and third alarms. The synagogue which, in addition to being one of the oldest was one of the most richly decorated in the city, blazed brightly with a glow that lit the city for miles. The densely crowded district was aroused and thousands poured into the streets, braving the terrific rain which had no effect on the flames.
Samuel Parker, who lives near the synagogue, rushed into the fire, risking his life despite the warnings of firemen and brought out the Scrolls of the Law. He was cheered by the crowd.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
