Sandy has come and gone, but in its wake it has left a trail of misery, destruction, and death. Many of us in Massachusetts experienced some damage, downed trees, no power, or no school for our children among many other disruptions, yet nothing comes close to what millions are going through in other parts of the North East. Thousands of people are still stranded in places reachable only by boat and many more are without power and heat.
I have spoken to many friends in the NY & NJ areas who have been extremely hard hit and don't have power or heat for their families. The stories of devastation that we read about, hear about and that I have heard first hand from colleagues of mine are truly catastrophic in nature.
While we appreciate the fact that Massachusetts didn't get hit quite as hard as many other places, we are obliged to act and lift up our hands in support of our friends, and the millions who are struggling in the North East. There is no doubt about it that Sandy has left us a lot of work to clean up in its wake, and while FEMA and the relevant Authorities may do their part to fix things, as individuals and as a community we too need to act and step up to help those who are struggling.
It is in this week's Torah portion where we read the story of Abraham and Sarah who set up an Eshel, a tent that would host travelers, strangers and people that had never met or knew before in their lifetime, all in the name of helping their fellow man. In addition we read about Abraham advocating on behalf of people that he never knew, and people who perhaps were not even deserving of his advocacy, yet he advocated and fought on their behalf. These timely messages are the calling of Judaism's ancestors and founding fathers of the imperative requirement to act and step up when needed and help our fellow man.
As we follow the news of the story in the media, and with the election news that will soon dominate the newscasts only days away, it is the time to act and step up for our brethren and our fellow man.
While whatever cause you choose to contribute to is noble and will make a difference, be it the Red Cross or the many others, I would like to highlight two charities which are making a big difference to colleagues and fellow Chabad Centers and their communities, some of which have been severely hit.
www.shluchimfloodrelief.com is a fund that will help families of Chabad Shluchim who have lost their homes or had severe property loss or damage and some of whom are still stranded or without power are in need of support. This fund is run by a colleague and several others that I know and 100% of funds are distributed immediately to the affected families.
Jewish Hurricane Relief is a central fund by Chabad Central Offices in NY that will be used to support the overall communities and impacted areas.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of Sandy, and we hope and pray that this will be a peaceful, safe and warm weekend for everyone.
Good Shabbos
Rabbi Freeman