Dear chevrei (friends),
Ah, unhappy, storm-tossed soul, with none to comfort you: I will make garnets your building-stones, and sapphires your foundations.
Two
weeks ago, these were the opening words of the Haftarah portion from
the prophet Isaiah. And now, there are millions of Americans
storm-tossed by Hurricane Harvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with all
those impacted by the storm as well as those on the ground providing aid
and shelter. Reports are only beginning to quantify the amount of
destruction, making it clear that recovery will be long and difficult.
Many in our community are looking for ways to provide assistance to the communities affected by the storm. In relief efforts following natural disasters there is often confusion about how best to provide help. In this case, the challenge is compounded by the ongoing rain and flooding, making it difficult to assess the damage.
Many in our community are looking for ways to provide assistance to the communities affected by the storm. In relief efforts following natural disasters there is often confusion about how best to provide help. In this case, the challenge is compounded by the ongoing rain and flooding, making it difficult to assess the damage.
With
help from the Social Action Committee, we have compiled a short list of
organizations that we know are directly working with storm victims and
have immediate needs. We encourage you to give generously to these and
other organizations.
- URJ Greene Family Camp: The Reform Movement's camp in Texas is spearheading two different initiatives. They have opened up the camp facility for families who need shelter. They are also organizing "Hurricane Harvey Houston Day Camp." In addition to providing a full day of supervision and activities for kids whose parents need to focus on storm recovery, the Day Camp will be serving families meals.
- Texas Diaper Bank: The Texas Diaper Bank helps families all year long, but are receiving a tremendous volume of requests from displaced families in need of diapers.
- Food Bank of Corpus Christi: The Food Bank is focused on getting food and water to displaced families.
There
are two Reform congregations in Houston, Congregation Emanu El and
Congregation Beth Israel. While they are still compiling data on the
impact of the storm on their families, we do know that Beth Israel
suffered extensive damage to its building, including the sanctuary
flooding. Emanu El's building suffered only minor damage and will be
hosting the day camp described above. In the coming weeks we will let
you know if there are specific ways that we can help these congregations
recover. We are especially proud of the work that Rabbi Josh Fixler,
grandson of our member Thelma Fixler, is doing to provide comfort to his
community in his first year as a rabbi at Congregation Emanu El.
In
the Haftarah portion this week, also from the prophet Isaiah, God tells
the people, "with love unending I take you in." May those forced to
flee their homes by Hurricane Harvey feel this love through the actions
of brave first-responders, kind neighbors, compassionate volunteers, and
generous donors.
With great hope,
Rabbi Nichols
