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A defunct synagogue, reminder of a once-proud community, collapses in Pennsylvania’s coal region

JL;DR SUMMARY The collapse of the abandoned Beth Israel Synagogue in Pennsylvania's coal region marks a poignant moment for the Jewish community, reflecting a broader narrative of change and loss within American Jewish history. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

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Tags

Jewish CommunityAmerican JewsJewish LegacyBeth Israel SynagogueRust BeltStained Glass WindowsMahanoy CityCoal RegionHistorical LossSynagogue Collapse

Places mentioned

Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, United States
"An abandoned synagogue in Pennsylvanias coal region, which until the early 2000s had served Jewish residents of Mahanoy City for more than 80 years, collapsed late Thursday night, officials and neighbors told the local media."
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
"...about an hour and a half northeast of Harrisburg..."

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Cairo Item ID 75638
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Retrieved 2026-02-18 18:00:19 UTC
Curated 2026-02-18 19:00:56 UTC