Congregation Beth El on Montross Avenue has been part of the Rutherford, N.J. community for more than 100 years.

Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi takes a ceremonial swing at a block wall to celebrate the start of construction at the Jewish Community Center, which was damaged by fire a year ago.

For the larger community, it’s a window into the Jewish community,” said Allan Finkelstein, the center’s former executive director (1982-1991) and former president and CEO of the JCC ...