Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center honored in memorial ceremony – NBC Los Angeles

More than 400 people came together on Tuesday for a somber commemoration nearly a year after their place of worship was consumed by the Eaton Fire.

Families from the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center gathered for a remembrance of the place where they once worshipped. The temple, which was previously on Altadena Drive in Pasadena, was destroyed by the Eaton Fire last January.

The congregation returned to Pasadena for a memorial ceremony on the very ground where their synagogue once stood.

“It’s a lot to lose, and at the same time, we’ve really grown in terms of the amount of solidarity we’ve shown one another,” said Rabbi Josh Ratner. “The way we’ve cared for one another, the way we’ve held one another, it has made our community stronger.”

The emotional remembrance was filled with music, prayer and hope. Remarks were made by clergy and local leaders who acknowledged the pain of loss, as well as the strength their traumas revealed.

“The spirit is still so vibrant,” said Andrea Mark, who lost her home to the Altadena fire. “… The community is still very much together.”

Despite efforts from firefighters to save it, the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center has served the community for more than 100 years. Although the building, which was constructed in 1941, was destroyed, members say their faith is stronger than ever.

“I was given this blessing of all these kind people and kind strangers, so now it’s up to me to pay it forward, so I can be kind to others and hope they will pay it forward, too,” Mark said.

According to Ratner, the temple is already under the process of planning its new center. It’s expected to be completed in the next several years.