A New Rochelle fire killed two people Saturday.

According to fire officials, 59-year-old Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein and his 60-year-old wife Debbie were found dead in separate rooms of their Beraud Road home after a fire gutted the house.

Crews tried to put out the blaze, but officials said it had already been burning for at least an hour and a half before anyone noticed it. Investigators believe the fire could have been caused by a lightning strike.

Both Rabbi Rubenstein and his wife were prominent members of Temple Young Israel in Scarsdale. Congregants were shocked and saddened at the news.

?They were not only my neighbors, he was our spiritual leader,? said Stephen Kardon. ?He was a great guy. I just can't believe this happened.?