A fast moving fire destroyed a synagogue, and investigators believe they know how it started. It happened Monday night, devastating the B'nai Torah Jewish Community Center in Greenwood Lake.
Al Goldstein's mom and dad were founding members of the congregation B'nai Torah Jewish Community Centre in Greenwood Lake. Last night the 50-year-old synagogue burned down.
Al Goldstein, Congregation Member: "It's like the loss of a family member, it's terrible. It's like, like I'm almost at a funeral."
The fire broke out at 7:25, and lasted four hours, fueled by a wooden interior covered with many coats of varnish. Intense heat and roaring flames prevented firefighters from saving the temple's Torah and Talmud -- Judaism's holiest books.
The fire chief told us electrical contractors working on a memorial board started the fire.
Chief Ed Baldesweiler, Greenwood Lake F.D.: "And apparently some wires were pulled and by the time it was realized that there was actually fire in the building it was already within the interior walls."
Calls and promises of support have already started to pour in.
Sylvia Levy, Congregant: "A former member's brother is in contact with 200 rabbis. He's e-mailing them to get us supplies, possibly a new Torah."
And it is that outpouring of support and dedication to rebuild that has temple leaders and congregation members saying this tragedy will bring them closer than they've ever been before.
