At 5 a.m. on June 27, Rabbi Sholom and Chaya Elishevitz of Chabad-Lubavitch of Bellevue, Wash., woke to find their home in flames.

The Elishevitzes, who have served as emissaries in Bellevue for 18 years as part of the Eastside Torah Center team, where they lead adult education and teen activities, had just wrapped up a busy first week with the 100 campers in their CTeen summer camp. The seven CTeen camp counselors staying in their home had joined them in welcoming Shabbat with a lively Friday night meal.

The fire came early Shabbat morning.

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Rabbi Elishevitz jumped out of bed and rushed his family outside, then ran back in. He pushed through a wave of smoke to wake the sleeping counselors upstairs. Finding the staircase impassable, the girls jumped from the second-floor windows. Seconds later, the house was engulfed in flames and completely destroyed.

Miraculously, everyone sustained only minor injuries.

The counselors jumped out of this second floor window to escape the inferno.
The counselors jumped out of this second floor window to escape the inferno.

“This was a home where the doors were always open,” said Rabbi Mordechai Farkash, who directs the Eastside Torah Center alongside his wife, Rochie. “Countless programs, Shabbat meals and events have been held there for almost two decades. It’s shocking, and we’re very grateful to G‑d that everyone got out.”

The Elishevitzes, who also lead the MMSC Jewish Day School and Seattle Jewish Montessori, lost their home and all their possessions. Investigators suspect an electrical panel malfunction caused the fire. Rabbi Elishevitz sustained burns on his hands and smoke inhalation, and the family and counselors have since moved into the homes of colleagues while they recover.

When Shabbat ended, the counselors made clear they had no intention of going home. Camp continued as scheduled on Monday.
When Shabbat ended, the counselors made clear they had no intention of going home. Camp continued as scheduled on Monday.

When Shabbat ended, the counselors made clear they had no intention of going home. Camp continued as scheduled on Monday.

“It’s a credit to the incredible counselors and the Elishevitzes, who even while dealing with the aftermath of this difficult time, are still dedicated to the mission given us by the Rebbe [Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory],” said Rabbi Farkash. “We will help the Elishevitzes rebuild.The work continues.”

To help the Elishevitz family rebuild, click here.