Fire Damages Historic N.Y. Synagogue

A landmark synagogue in Manhattan was severely damaged Friday in a fire that apparently was started by a worker’s propane torch.

Thick black and gray smoke poured from the roof of the Central Synagogue, a Moorish-style synagogue that is a city and national landmark. It was built between 1870 and 1872, making it the oldest building in continuous use as a synagogue in the city.

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said new air conditioners were being installed and that a worker’s torch apparently started the fire, which spread over and below the roof.

The main synagogue sustained heavy water damage, but the Torah scrolls had been taken from the historic temple before the renovations, said head Rabbi Peter Rubenstein.

The fire began about 5 p.m. and was brought under control in about three hours.

Lynn Silverman, a member of the temple, was on her way to evening services when she saw the murky smoke pouring from her temple.

“It’s devastating,” said Silverman, 39. “You have no idea how beautiful it is. I’m not the most religious person in the world, I’m a traditional person, and this is wiping out tradition.”

The temple was designed by Henry Fernbach, one of the first Jewish architects in the country.