The blast, which was reported about 6:45 a.m., shattered windows at the Chabad House Lubavitch of Santa Monica in the 1400 block of 17th Street.
It launched a 300-pound pipe into the roof of a home next door where a woman and her 11-year-old daughter were sleeping.
"With additional analysis that was done ... we discovered some materials that led us to believe that it was an intentional act," said Sgt. Jay Trisler of the Santa Monica Police Department.
Bomb technicians and detectives conducted forensic analysis at the scene. After unearthing fragments of the cement found, investigators uncovered materials indicating that the 4-foot pipe appeared to have been deliberately constructed.
The Santa Monica and Los Angeles police departments, as well as the FBI, are looking to question Ron Hirsch. He is being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and unrelated local charges.
Hirsch, a transient also known as Irael Fisher, is described as a white, standing 5-foot-7, 207 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.
Authorities did not know what the motive was for the attack.
Hirsch, 60, is considered extremely dangerous.
No injuries were reported in the incident. About 100 people were evacuated from nearby homes and businesses while bomb experts investigated.
Anyone with information is asked to call Santa Monica police at (310) 458-8427.
