On August 28, the Chabad Jewish Community Center on Ming Avenue in Bakersfield was broken into. According to Rabbi Shmuli Schlanger, there was no one in the building at the time of the break-in, so nobody was hurt. Only things were taken, but according to the rabbi, the things the thief didn't take were the most important. 23ABC's Sam Hoyle spoke with the Rabbi to learn more.
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00:00 A center that welcomes all had an unexpected and uninvited guest earlier this week.
00:04 23 ABC's Sam Hoyle walks us through the break-in at a Jewish community center.
00:10 Earlier this week the Chabad Jewish Community Center on Bing was broken into and thankfully
00:14 Rabbi Schlanger says nobody was here at the time of the break-in so they were only able
00:19 to take things.
00:20 However, according to the rabbi, he mentioned that there was one thing the thief didn't
00:24 take that was the most important.
00:26 If there was one thing I can say to someone that wants to break into a synagogue is do
00:32 the rabbi one favor, take something.
00:37 Take a bible and use it and learn it and it would save me coming to visit you at Laredo
00:46 County Jail which I do on a regular basis and hand delivering it to you.
00:49 While Rabbi Schlanger was doing his best to make light of the situation, he did note that
00:53 the break-in was disheartening but he was thankful that several important heirlooms
00:57 to the Jewish faith were safe.
00:59 The scrolls are now in the safe but the Torah scrolls, thank God we're both sitting here
01:04 so we have the Torah scrolls and that's our main concern not just because of the costly
01:10 price that a Torah scroll costs but how sentimental it is.
01:14 Though the situation is a dim one, Rabbi Schlanger said the outpouring of support from the community
01:18 has been wonderful.
01:20 On Tuesday as 23ABC was on site at the Chabad Jewish Center, Roy Biskar, a Jewish community
01:25 member brought donations in an effort to help the center bring in funds as they look to
01:28 update their security.
01:30 And for him, the Chabad resembles something special in the community.
01:35 It's just about bringing the people and their hearts together.
01:39 It doesn't matter what religion you might be, you can be of any religion and come here
01:44 and you're welcome.
01:46 Rabbi Schlanger did tell 23ABC he believes the break-in was likely a crime of opportunity
01:50 due to what was stolen and did not believe it was a hate crime because of what was left
01:54 untouched.
01:55 Bakersfield Police is investigating the case.
01:58 In Bakersfield, Sam Hoyle, 23ABC News, connecting you.