UPDATE: On the evening of January 6, 2026, approximately 400 community members gathered at the site of the former Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center to mark the solemn one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire. This gathering, held under a large white tent on North Altadena Drive, was the first time congregants reunited at this hallowed ground since the fire destroyed their beloved sanctuary.
Rabbi Joshua Ratner, who began his tenure just months ago, led the emotional ceremony, stating, “Tonight is our time to grieve for the loss we endured one year ago.” The gathering provided a space for reflection, tribute, and shared sorrow, as attendees mourned not only the physical loss of their temple but also the lives affected by the fire, which claimed at least 19 lives and displaced numerous families.
The community’s grief was palpable, as families participated in a poignant memorial that included placing colored stones at a Tree of Life, sharing memories of the temple, and planting trees to symbolize hope for the future. Rabbi Ratner emphasized the importance of coming together to heal and remember.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger addressed the crowd, acknowledging the emotional weight of the anniversary while expressing gratitude for the support received from the Jewish community. “Tonight, I look at this as a time of hope, of what can be done when we work together,” she said.
The ceremony saw the singing of mournful Kaddish prayers, which honored the losses incurred, including the B’nai Simcha Community Preschool that served 400 families and was an integral part of the temple’s community fabric. Over 15 member families lost their homes, highlighting the fire’s devastating impact.
Melissa Levy, the temple’s executive director, noted that many congregants struggled to even drive by the site prior to this gathering. “The sacred space they knew looks different now,” she remarked, but encouraged the community to view it as a “clean slate” for rebuilding.
In the absence of their temple, congregants have continued to celebrate Shabbat at alternate locations, including Mayfield Senior School and First United Methodist Church in Pasadena. The preschool has temporarily relocated to Frostig School, ensuring that the community’s youngest members retain a sense of continuity.
The night of the fire, Cantor Ruth Berman Harris and a dedicated group managed to save the temple’s 13 Torah scrolls, which are now secured at the Huntington Library in San Marino. This act of preservation has been a source of comfort for many.
According to the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, between 45,000 and 59,000 Jewish households, impacting approximately 147,000 individuals, were affected by the fires. In response, the federation has raised over $9 million for its Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund, showcasing an outpouring of support from both local and out-of-state donors.
Theresa Brekan, operations manager for the temple, expressed her emotions upon returning to the cleared lot, stating, “There were so many memories in this place, and I can still feel the love.” The commemoration not only honored the past but also ignited hope for the future as the community looks forward to rebuilding their sanctuary in the coming years.
With the anniversary serving as a stark reminder of the tragedy, this gathering emphasizes the resilience of the Pasadena Jewish community and their commitment to healing together. As they prepare for the future, the support and solidarity displayed on this night will undoubtedly echo in the years to come.
