'Dark times': Fire destroys Tallahassee Jewish center; cause of overnight blaze unclear

A center for Jewish life in Tallahassee will rebuild "bigger and better" after an overnight fire devastated the Chabad of Tallahassee and FSU.

Rabbi Schneur Z. Oirechman was in South Florida visiting with alumni, donors and friends of the center when he got news of the blaze at 4 a.m. Sunday.

"I think you know we live in very dark times," he told the Democrat, while traveling back to the capital city. "This fire just added a little bit more darkness to the world."

The Tallahassee Fire Department was dispatched to the fire located at 224 Chapel Drive, near Florida State University, at 3:21 a.m. Sunday.

"Upon arrival, TFD crews found fire showing and heavy smoke coming from the eaves," the department said in an online update. "TFD crews made entry, but due to fire conditions and the integrity of the building, had to go defensive on fire attack. There were no reported injuries on scene."

It is unknown what caused the fire and the State Fire Marshal's office is investigating. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the fire marshal, tweeted that investigators will have better access to the site "once the smoldering ends."

The Jewish center serves more than 5,000 in the Florida State University community and members in the Panhandle from Tallahassee to Pensacola. Chabad has been serving the community for more than two decades and has alumni all over the world. They've been operating from the building – which was a former church that was renovated for more than $100,000 – for the last 10 years.

The building is a total loss, Oirechman said, lamenting the loss of the Torah scrolls, hundreds of books and 20 years of teachings.

"First I cried," he said. "It's very sacred to us. Then I immediately realized, God doesn't do anything unless he first provides the healing."

He said the center held services hours earlier on Saturday and shared meals.

"We are first thankful to God no one was hurt," he said. "We have people that sleep in the synagogue all the time (to prepare for the Sabbath). If that happened Friday night that would have been a disaster."

Chabad in the headlines:

• Rabbis bring Jewish cheer and resources to Chabad of Tallahassee

• Chabad of Tallahassee marks first night of Hanukkah with annual lighting of 9-foot menorah

• Chabad of Tallahassee delivers Rosh Hashana meals for students, prepares for Yom Kippur

The rabbi said Chabad will launch a campaign to "rebuild bigger and better in the challenging times ahead."

'We're going to need a lot of help from everyone in the community," he said. "But rightaway we'll make sure to continue our services, that not one less is served. How we do it, I do not know yet."

To donate to the Chabad of Tallahassee and FSU to rebuild, visit https://jewishtallahassee.com/donate

"Every dollar will go back to the community," he said. "We're not going to let darkness win, however it happened."

He has been overwhelmed by the community support in the hours after the blaze. He has a simple message for those who want to help beyond donating.

"Do something better," he said. "Add light to the world."

Reach Editor William Hatfield at whatfield@tallahassee.com.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Chabad Tallahassee, FSU: State investigating fire at Jewish center,