Mississippi synagogue prayer books, Moses sculpture and a holy horn are among items ruined or last after alleged arson
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- A 19-year-old suspect confessed to setting fire to Beth Israel Congregation, Mississippi's largest and oldest synagogue, citing its Jewish ties; he faces federal and state charges with up to 60 years in prison if convicted.
- The historic synagogue, founded before the Civil War and previously bombed in 1967, suffered extensive fire damage, leading to its indefinite closure as restoration efforts begin.
- Important religious artifacts, including Torah scrolls, were rescued and are being aired out and assessed for repair by a master sofer to restore their kosher status, while charred prayer books will receive a respectful burial according to Jewish custom.
- The fire destroyed much of the synagogue’s library and damaged symbolic items such as the Tree of Life
