A fire has destroyed the Chabad of Tallahassee and FSU.
The Tallahassee Fire Department says the call came just before 3:30 yesterday morning on Chapel Drive. Firefighters found flames and heavy smoke. No injuries were reported.
TFD was assisted by the Tallahassee Police Department, City of Tallahassee Utilities and Leon County EMS. The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.
Here's the Facebook post from Chabad of Tallahassee & FSU:
Today, at 4 a.m., while in south Florida visiting alumni, parents of students, donors, and other supporters, we were notified that a devastating fire had broken out at the Chabad House of Tallahassee/the Panhandle/FSU. We still know very little, as the fire department has not let anyone into the building and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
The Moris and Lillian Tabacinic Chabad Center served as a center for Jewish life for the last decade of our 23 years serving the Tallahassee Jewish community. It had become a beacon of light, full of the beauty and joy of Jewish life. Thousands of Jewish students and members of our community met one another at Shabbat and holiday services and meals, participated in Torah study, and witnessed acts of kindness that emanated to all areas. While that is something no fire can negate, we are now faced with the destruction not only of the building, but of our Torah scrolls, literally hundreds of books, and our kitchen and all our other facilities.
Chanie and I are shocked and overwhelmed by this terrible fire; fortunately, no one was injured. We are also committed to overcome this tragedy, and with G-d's help we will yet build a stronger and brighter future out of the ashes.
We will keep you updated, and please visit our website for more information as it becomes available.
Rabbi Schneur Z. Oirechman
Chabad Lubavitch of Tallahassee, Florida
