Denver Synagogue Rebuilds After Devastating Fire

Koholet Congregation Remains Hopeful Despite Extensive Damage

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A small Jewish synagogue in Denver, Koholet, is working to rebuild and reopen after a massive five-alarm fire last month destroyed the apartment complex it was located in. While the synagogue building is still standing, it suffered significant damage and the congregation is now without power as they work to clean up and restore the space.

Why it matters

The Koholet synagogue is an important community institution, housing irreplaceable religious artifacts like Torah scrolls, including one that survived the Holocaust. Its destruction is a blow to the local Jewish community, but the congregation remains hopeful about rebuilding and reopening in the coming months.

The details

The fire, which broke out in early January, destroyed the Harker Heights apartment building that Koholet synagogue was located in. Firefighters had to run hoses directly to the synagogue to try to save it, but the building still suffered extensive damage, including busted windows, water damage, and a lingering smoke smell. The synagogue's electrical service was also destroyed, leaving them without power as they work to clean up and restore the space.

  • The five-alarm fire occurred in early January 2026.
  • It has been over a month since the fire, and the synagogue is still without power.
  • The congregation hopes to be able to reopen the synagogue in the next 3-4 months.

The players

Koholet Synagogue

A small Jewish synagogue in Denver that was located within the Harker Heights apartment building that was destroyed in a five-alarm fire last month.

Charles Jacobs

The newly appointed president of the Koholet congregation, who is overseeing the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Temple Emanuel

A nearby synagogue that has allowed the Koholet congregation to use a room in their building for services while Koholet rebuilds.

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What they’re saying

“We're right butted up against the burned buildings. So, they ran their hoses here, and they stood right here at the end of the sidewalk, and they shot water over there.”

— Charles Jacobs, Congregation President (CBS News)

“We were lucky for lots of reasons.”

— Charles Jacobs, Congregation President (CBS News)

“In a synagogue, there are important things, like Torah scrolls. We have three of them, and there, one of them is a Holocaust survivor. Those things are irreplaceable, and they were fine.”

— Charles Jacobs, Congregation President (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This fire has been a devastating blow to the Koholet synagogue and its congregation, but their resilience and determination to rebuild and reopen in the coming months is a testament to the strength of their community. The preservation of their irreplaceable religious artifacts, like the Holocaust-survivor Torah scroll, is a hopeful sign that they will be able to restore their place of worship and continue serving the local Jewish community.