Mississippi synagogue arson leaves sacred artifacts at risk as Torahs are saved
TL;DR Summary
A 19-year-old suspect confessed to setting fire to Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, citing the building’s Jewish ties. The blaze damaged the synagogue’s library, melted the Tree of Life brass plates, and damaged a Moses sculpture, while hundreds of prayer books were charred. The Torah scrolls were removed for safekeeping and air-out; they will be repaired and returned to kosher status, or buried respectfully if unusable. Restoration is expected to take about a year as the community rebuilds and churches offer support while authorities continue investigations.
- Prayer books, a Moses sculpture and a holy horn are among items damaged or lost after alleged arson at Mississippi synagogue CNN
- Burned books, children’s questions: The aftermath of an attack on Mississippi’s largest synagogue NBC News
- The Holocaust Torah that survived a Mississippi synagogue fire was brought there by the state’s only survivor The Forward
- Federal grand jury indicts alleged Beth Israel arsonist WLBT
- Beth Israel Congregation seeks donations as rebuilding begins after arson fire WAPT
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