A Long Island firefighter ran into a burning Chabad to save a sacred Sefer Torah from the flames on Wednesday — as members of the local Jewish community raced to the scene in prayer.
Firefighter Michael Farca, who is Jewish, ran into the Chabad of Greenvale to save the sacred religious scroll shortly after a fire tore through the building at about 7 a.m.
Farca emerged with the Torah from the smoke-filled doors like a super hero in a movie scene, said Chabad member Igor Shamalov — who said the hero didn’t have as much as a scratch on him — or the Torah — in a symbolic moment that brought the crowd to tears, Shamalov said.
“The Torah scroll, for us, is priceless,” Shamalov told The Post, — adding that the faithful crowd erupted in tears at the sight. “It is like saving a human life.”
He explained that for the past two days, they have been celebrating Shavuot, which is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Torah, making the scroll’s rescue even more faith-confirming to him and others.
The building was scorched, prayer books soaked and blackened, and much of the sanctuary left in ruins — but the Torah survived, which was enough for some to feel optimistic.
“The Torah is more than a book, it’s our heart and soul,” said congregant Yuriy Davydov. “Seeing it carried out safely felt like a miracle.”
Fire departments from across Nassau rushed to the scene around 7 a.m. and managed to stop the blaze from completely gutting the structure.
Crews stayed on site for hours hosing down hot spots and assessing the damage.
No injuries are reported, and the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, according to first responders.
Members said the synagogue suffered damage but not defeat — and that they’re already planning to rebuild, calling the Torah’s rescue a sign that their faith is stronger than ever.
But until the rebuild is complete, Shamalov said they are looking for a new, temporary home to worship.
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