UPDATE: The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center held a poignant commemoration ceremony on January 6, 2026, marking one year since the devastating Eaton Fire destroyed their sanctuary. Approximately 400 attendees gathered under a large white tent on North Altadena Drive, a powerful moment of unity and remembrance for the community.
Rabbi Joshua Ratner, who began his tenure just months ago, led the gathering, emphasizing the importance of collective mourning and healing. “Tonight is our time to grieve for the loss we endured one year ago,” he stated, inviting the congregation to honor their past while looking towards a hopeful future.
The Eaton Fire not only ravaged the Pasadena Jewish Temple but also impacted thousands of lives, claiming 19 lives and displacing many families. The ceremony served as a stark reminder of the tragedy, as mourners participated in rituals, including the communal Kaddish, to honor the memories of those lost.
Children from the Louis B. Silver Religious School contributed by carrying lanterns and collecting colored stones to place at a symbolic Tree of Life. These acts of remembrance serve to strengthen community bonds and signify new beginnings as plans to rebuild the temple unfold over the next three to four years.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger addressed attendees, reflecting on her personal connection to the community and acknowledging the difficult anniversary ahead. “Tonight, I look at this as a time of hope, of what can be done when we work together,” she asserted, highlighting the resilience of the local Jewish community.
The impact of the Eaton Fire extended beyond the temple, with the Jewish Federation Los Angeles reporting that between 45,000 and 59,000 Jewish households were affected, totaling around 147,000 people. In response, the federation successfully raised over $9 million for its Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund, showcasing the outpouring of support from across the nation.
Despite losing their physical sanctuary, congregants have found refuge in temporary spaces, including Mayfield Senior School and First United Methodist Church. The B’nai Simcha Community Preschool, which once served 400 families, has also adapted, relocating to Frostig School nearby.
As the community looks toward rebuilding, Rabbi Ratner encourages congregants to share memories and emotions tied to their former temple space. “The sacred space we knew looks different now,” he noted, but underscored the importance of viewing it as a clean slate for future growth.
The evening concluded with heartfelt reflections, as members shared their personal stories and the love they felt for their community. “There were so many memories in this place, and I can still feel the love,” said Theresa Brekan, the temple’s operations manager, emphasizing the emotional significance of the cleared lot.
As the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center moves forward, the strength and solidarity of its community remain evident. This commemoration not only marks a tragic past but also serves as a foundation for rebuilding hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
What happens next? The congregation will continue to gather, leaning on the support of their community and focusing on the future as they work towards reconstructing their beloved temple.
