Middlesex synagogue won’t let nine-hour blaze destroy its spirit, history

by Debra Rubin
NJJN Bureau Chief/Middlesex

An early morning blaze that destroyed much of the Highland Park Conservative Temple on Aug. 24 did little to destroy the spirit of the 420-family Middlesex County congregation.

The stubborn fire, which was determined to be accidental, was ignited by faulty wiring in a void between the basement and the synagogue’s Kroll Auditorium.

“There was absolutely no indication of criminal activity,” said acting Police Chief Frank Atherton on Aug. 25.

The blaze began at about 4 a.m. and could not be extinguished until about 1:30 p.m. It incinerated the auditorium, collapsed part of the nearby sanctuary floor, caused extensive smoke and water damage throughout the structure, and destroyed artwork, prayer books, and tapestries. Even at noon, smoke could still be seen pouring out of the synagogue, located at South Third Avenue and Benner Street, as 110 to 120 firefighters from Highland Park and at least nine surrounding communities continued to douse the site with water and then foam.

The synagogue’s nine Torah scrolls were rescued minutes after the fire began by Emergency Medical Services technician Andrew Brown and Police Sgt. Joseph Spezio, who made several trips through the flames to save the sacred texts.

There was no one in the building when the fire began and there were no injuries. The building houses an infant and toddler program during the day.

The investigation into the blaze concluded at 6 p.m. Aug. 25; it was conducted by borough fire code official Scott Luthman, the borough’s police department, the arson unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the county and state fire marshal, and the state police arson and bomb squad.

Just an hour later, at 7 p.m., Atherton came to the congregation’s Shabbat services, being held at the YM-YWHA of Raritan Valley in Highland Park — with three borough officials — to inform the relieved congregants of the results of the investigation. The officials were warmly applauded for all their efforts.

The congregation used the Y for Shabbat morning services and has been holding daily minyans there, but is looking for other venues until the synagogue can be rebuilt. Rabbi Eliot Malomet said the congregation would probably make a decision within a week regarding where to hold future services, including for the High Holy Days, which draw about 1,000 worshipers. The most likely location would be Highland Park High School.

“We are talking to the board of education right now,” said Malomet.

The synagogue building has been sealed for safety, but several officials were allowed to walk through to view the damage; they were dismayed at the extent of the devastation.

Malomet said firefighters had punched holes in many walls as they fought the blaze. The stone exterior of the building remained intact as had large stained-glass windows in the front of the synagogue. Officials said the building was structurally sound and will not have to be rebuilt.

“The damage is very severe — it’s hard to quantify it emotionally,” said Malomet. “Visually, it’s very distressing.”

The synagogue had completed a renovation costing about $500,000 in March, which included new carpeting, reupholstering, new light fixtures, and a refurbishing of the sanctuary, according to Malomet. It was about to embark on the second phase of the project, renovating the social hall and office.

“That’s all been lost now,” said the rabbi.

The shul held its 75th anniversary celebration in May. It has been in its present building since 1948.

“I can’t believe it,” said a sobbing Elaine Fromkin, who had chaired the anniversary program and came rushing from work to see the burning synagogue during her lunch hour. “I heard, but I had to see it. I can’t stay and watch. It’s like my second home.”

Many remained stoic and even upbeat despite the devastation.

“I don’t look at this as a loss,” said Gayle Brill Mittler, immediate past president of the congregation, as she watched the fire. “To me it’s a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to move on.”

A fund has been set up to help the temple rebuild. Donations may be sent to the Highland Park Temple Restoration Fund, 201 S. Third Ave., Highland Park, NJ 08904.