CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Long-abandoned synagogue collapses
MICQUELYNN KAPUSCHINSKY / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The aftermath of a structure collapse at the former Beth Israel Synagogue at Catawissa and Mahanoy Streets in Mahanoy City on Feb. 12, 2026.
MAHANOY CITY – The side wall of a long-abandoned synagogue in Mahanoy City came crashing down into Catawissa Street late Thursday night.
The collapse happened around 9:30pm at the former Beth Israel Synagogue at Mahanoy and Catawissa streets.
Firefighters from Mahanoy City’s West End and Citizens fire companies responded.
No injuries were reported though at least one vehicle was damaged when a utility pole was snapped. Utility lines were brought down as well.
A security camera across Mahanoy Street captured the collapse:
The building is shown as owned by Goelbis Daracena Zapata, of Mahanoy City, according to the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator. They bought the building in December for $10,000.
Officials say it is expected to be razed Friday.
It was built in 1923 as the Beth Israel Synagogue.
As the Jewish population in the Mahanoy Valley dwindled, most services were moved to Kehillat Israel in Shenandoah by 1997 and, in 2003, Beth Israel closed for good.
It sat largely abandoned and neglected until Thursday’s collapse.
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