UPDATE: The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center held a poignant commemoration ceremony on January 6, 2026, marking the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire. Approximately 400 community members gathered to honor the memories of the lives lost and the beloved temple that was destroyed in the blaze.
On the eve of the anniversary, attendees gathered under a large white tent on North Altadena Drive, where the temple once stood. Rabbi Joshua Ratner, who began his tenure in July, led the emotional gathering, stating, “Tonight is our time to grieve for the loss we endured one year ago.” The ceremony served as a communal space for mourning and reflection, symbolizing resilience amid sorrow.
The tragic fire, which swept through Pasadena, claimed the lives of at least 19 individuals and left many families displaced. Rabbi Ratner invited congregants to participate in various rededication activities, including collecting colored stones for a Tree of Life and sharing memories of the former campus. He emphasized the importance of healing together as the community plans to rebuild in the next three to four years.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who attended the ceremony, expressed her gratitude to the Jewish community for their strength and unity. “Tonight, I look at this as a time of hope, of what can be done when we work together,” she said.
The evening featured the singing of the mournful Kaddish, a traditional prayer for the deceased, as a tribute to the losses experienced. The fire also destroyed the B’nai Simcha Community Preschool, which served 400 families, along with the temple’s original structure, built in 1941. Many congregants, including around 15 member families who lost their homes, are still navigating the aftermath of the fire.
Melissa Levy, executive director of the temple, remarked on the challenges faced by the community. “Many people haven’t even been able to handle driving by before tonight,” she noted. Despite the absence of their physical space, the community continues to celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays at various rented locations, including Mayfield Senior School and Caltech.
The temple’s survival story is also one of inspiration. On the night of the fire, Cantor Ruth Berman Harris and a dedicated team saved the temple’s 13 Torah scrolls, which are now safely preserved at the Huntington Library in San Marino.
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles reported that between 45,000 and 59,000 Jewish households were impacted, totaling approximately 147,000 individuals. The federation has raised over $9 million for its Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund, demonstrating the collective support from both local and out-of-state donors.
As the Pasadena Jewish Temple community continues to navigate this challenging chapter, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder of their resolve and spirit. The vacant lot where the temple once stood now symbolizes both loss and hope for a future rebuilt on cherished memories.
In the words of Theresa Brekan, operations manager for the temple, “There were so many memories in this place, and I can still feel the love.” As the community looks ahead, they remain united in their commitment to honoring the past while forging a new path forward.
