Interfaith Alliances Aid SoCal Wildfire Recovery

Faith leaders across Southern California are harnessing newfound interfaith alliances to aid recovery in communities scarred by wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Pasadena in January 2025, destroying hundreds of homes and more than a dozen houses of worship.

The fires left 300 families from Kehillat Israel synagogue in Pacific Palisades homeless and damaged its facilities, while in Altadena and Pasadena, congregations like Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church and Altadena Fountain of Life Church saw their buildings burn or suffer severe smoke damage. Twelve families from LoveLand LifeCenter in Altadena lost their homes, forcing the church to shift to online services.

Rabbi Amy Bernstein of Kehillat Israel described the disaster as a catalyst for unity. "If our hearts must break, let them break open," she said. "This tragedy has really pushed us closer to one another. We're working to change the things we need changed." On May 15, congregation members plan to return their Torah scrolls to the synagogue sanctuary, one of the first such returns in the area.

Interfaith collaboration has proven essential, leaders say. The Rev. Grace Park, associate pastor at...