Firefighters
FirefightersHillel Meir

A synagogue in the town of Mevasseret Tzion, west of Jerusalem, burned down Sunday night.

The fire was severe enough to destroy the building's frame and the structure collapsed. The Torah scrolls were rescued from the building, although several were damaged in the fire.

Initial investigations indicate that the fire was caused by an electrical short, although that has not yet been conclusively proven.

First reports of the fire were received by firefighters in Beit Shemesh early Monday. Several firefighting crews arrived at the scene, to find the building engulfed in flames. Several nearby buildings were evacuated for fear that they could collapse as well.

Firefighters entered the building and removed the Torah scrolls, at great danger to themselves, as the roof began to collapse on them, officials said.