A late-night fire at Ahavat Shalom Synagogue in Great Neck Plaza has shut the house of worship less than a week before Passover, leaving congregants scrambling to figure out where they will pray during one of the busiest weeks on the Jewish calendar. Everyone inside managed to get out on their own and no injuries were reported, but the damage has thrown holiday plans into limbo for this tight-knit community.
Fire timeline and response
Nassau County fire officials said the blaze broke out a little before 9 p.m. Wednesday at Ahavat Shalom Synagogue at 130 Cutter Mill Rd. in Great Neck Plaza. Responding crews encountered heavy smoke inside the two-story building and quickly called in reinforcements. Roughly 75 firefighters from Great Neck Vigilant, Great Neck Alerts, Manhasset-Lakeville and New Hyde Park responded to the scene. Investigators said everyone inside evacuated under their own power and that no one was hurt, according to News 12 New York.
About the synagogue
On its website, Ahavat Shalom lists office hours and regular prayer schedules and describes itself as a local Sephardic community serving families across Great Neck. The congregation’s site gives 130 Cutter Mill Road as its location and details programs and services that highlight just how disruptive a sudden shutdown can be in the days leading up to Passover, according to Ahavat Shalom Synagogue.
Investigation underway
The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office and the Nassau County Police Department’s Arson/Bomb Squad are investigating what sparked the blaze. County fire officials have ordered the building closed because of fire and smoke damage, and they have not given any estimate for when the synagogue might reopen while teams continue to assess structural and smoke impacts, according to News 12 New York.
Passover and community options
Passover begins at sundown on April 1, 2026, a date listed on Jewish calendars and event sites that marks the start of the holiday season, per Hebcal. Some nearby organizations, including Chabad of Great Neck, host public seders and community services that may provide alternatives for worshippers displaced by the closure, according to Chabad of Great Neck.
