Arsonist May Have Targeted Synagogue

City police and fire officials are investigating what appears to have been an arson attempt at one of San Francisco’s oldest synagogues.

Fire Department spokesman Pete Howes said crews arrived at Congregation Beth Israel-Judea along the city’s Brotherhood Way around 7:30 p.m. Friday after synagogue members said they smelled gasoline and a janitor found several cans of gasoline on the roof.

Firefighters found empty containers of gasoline and propane on the synagogue’s roof, as well as what Howe called “wick material.” No one was injured, and no part of the structure caught fire, he said.

Rabbi Evan Goodman said the synagogue had not received any threats.