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Folsom, California: Fire Department Uses Future Chabad House Site for Training Exercise

An inspiring Lag BaOmer celebration and demolition kickoff took place in Folsom, Northern California, at the future site of the new Chabad Jewish Community Center. In partnership with the Folsom Fire Department, the existing structure was used for rare live firefighter training exercises before demolition begins. The evening concluded with a spirited BBQ and community celebration marking the first major step toward the construction of the new 23,000-square-foot center for Jewish life • Full Story, Photos

A Night of Fire, Purpose, and New Beginnings:

At first, it looked like an emergency.

Fire engines lined the street, hoses stretched across the property, and smoke poured from the windows of the house.

But this wasn’t a crisis – it was a carefully coordinated and deeply meaningful collaboration.

On Lag BaOmer, at the future home of the Chabad Jewish Community Center at 795 Hana Way, the Folsom community gathered for an unforgettable Official Demolition Kickoff & Lag BaOmer Celebration – an event that perfectly captured the spirit of transformation.

Before making way for something new, the existing structure is being given one final, extraordinary purpose.

Turning an Old Structure into a Life-Saving Opportunity:

In partnership with the Folsom Fire Department, the home has become the setting for rare and invaluable real life training exercises.

Crews moved through dense smoke with limited visibility, practicing real-world fire attack, search and rescue, and coordinated emergency response.

These types of training opportunities are incredibly uncommon – and incredibly important. They offer firefighters the kind of hands-on experience that simply can’t be replicated in standard training facilities.

Over the next two weeks, firefighters will work through realistic scenarios, sharpening skills that ultimately save lives across our community.

What could have been just a demolition instead became an act of service – benefiting not just the Jewish community, but the entire city of Folsom.

From Flames to Future and The Spirit of Lag BaOmer:

As the training demonstration concluded, the energy shifted – but the symbolism only deepened.

On Lag BaOmer, we celebrate light emerging from darkness, hidden potential drawn forth through the fire of our souls.

Profound themes from the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai – who taught that what lies beneath the surface often holds the greatest power.

And here we were, witnessing it in real time.

A house filled with smoke became a training ground for heroism. A structure destined for demolition became a source of protection and preparation. An ending became a beginning.

The evening continued with a warm and spirited BBQ, music, laughter, and community connection – bringing people together not just to mark what was, but to celebrate what will be.

Building What Comes Next:

With demolition beginning in just a few weeks, we take a major step toward the construction of a 23,000-square-foot Chabad Jewish Community Center – a space that will serve as a hub for Jewish life in Folsom, El Dorado Hills and beyond: for prayer, learning, celebration, and connection.

If this Lag BaOmer reminded us anything, it’s this:

Before you can build a home for the future, you sometimes have to let go of the past. Yesterday’s demolition kickoff wasn’t destruction – it was the first visible step toward a new center of Jewish life, community, and connection in Folsom.

Here’s to what we’re building – together.

To learn more about the project visit www.folsomfuture.org

Rabbi Yossi & Goldie Grossbaum
Rabbi Yossi & Yudit Spiero

Stay tuned for more video and photo coverage coming soon.

Save the date – The Groundbreaking will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 10:30am.