Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein, past president of the Rabbinical Council of America (the main Modern Orthodox rabbinic group) and Rabbi of Young Israel of Scarsdale, NY, and his wife Deborah died when their home burned down at 3:30 this morning. The fire was apparently caused by a bolt of lightning, and there were explosions heard from the house. The congregation heard of the news this morning and went to synagogue to pray what was obviously a very solemn Sabbath service led by the assistant rabbi. Rabbi and Mrs. Rubenstein are survived by their four adult children. May their memory be for a blessing.
