UPDATE: The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center gathered approximately 400 people on January 6, 2026, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that destroyed their beloved sanctuary. The emotional ceremony took place under a large tent on North Altadena Drive, marking the first time congregants reunited at the site since the fire.
Rabbi Joshua Ratner led the poignant remembrance, stating, “Tonight is our time to grieve for the loss we endured one year ago.” The gathering focused on honoring the lives lost and acknowledging the profound sorrow felt by the community after the fire claimed at least 19 lives and thousands of homes.
As attendees lit lanterns crafted by children from the Louis B. Silver Religious School, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of grief and hope for the future. Rabbi Ratner invited congregants to rededicate the hallowed ground, encouraging them to collect colored stones and testimonials to memorialize their past.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed her gratitude for the Jewish community’s resilience, saying, “Tonight, I look at this as a time of hope, of what can be done when we work together.” The ceremony highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the congregation, which lost the B’nai Simcha Community Preschool that previously served 400 families. Many families remain displaced, and the temple is operating from temporary locations.
The memorial underscored the significance of the site, where cherished memories linger. Melissa Levy, the temple’s executive director, emphasized the emotional impact of returning to the empty lot, stating, “Many people haven’t even been able to handle driving by before tonight.”
Despite the loss, the temple community has shown remarkable strength and adaptability. They have celebrated Shabbat at various donated venues and have found new quarters for the preschool at Frostig School. The Huntington Library now securely houses the temple’s 13 Torah scrolls, saved on the night of the fire by Cantor Ruth Berman Harris and her team.
The commemoration serves as a vital reminder of the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire while also shining a light on the recovery efforts and community spirit. According to the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, between 45,000 and 59,000 Jewish households were affected, impacting approximately 147,000 individuals. The federation successfully raised over $9 million for wildfire relief, demonstrating the solidarity and support from both local and out-of-state donors.
As the community looks ahead to rebuilding their temple, Rabbi Ratner’s call for unity and remembrance resonates deeply. The congregation envisions planting new trees to symbolize their growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
This commemoration is not just a moment of mourning—it is a rallying point for hope, healing, and community as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their spiritual home.
