Those of you who have lived in Southern California for a long period of time are no strangers to wildfires. Some of you have experienced evacuations, home loss, and the devastation caused by fires.
The current wildfires which are still raging out of control are thought to be the most widespread, destructive, and devasting fires to hit this part of California. The Jewish community has not been spared: The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, a century-old Conservative synagogue, was burned to the ground by the Eaton fire. The whole situation is heartbreaking and tragic.
We are so privileged and blessed at this moment in our small corner of Orange County: we are safe and not physically affected. Yet the emotional toll of the situation is heavy. Each of us has friends, acquaintances, family members, and colleagues who have been evacuated and/or lost their homes, businesses, schools and so much more.
At times like these, we realize that everything we know in life can change in an instant and it is totally out of our control. My colleague Rabbi Zach Shapiro, the rabbi of Temple Akiba in Culver City breathed a sigh of relief that his community was spared. He shared that by sitting in the “eye of the storm” waiting for the outcome, we learn that we are more vulnerable than we ever thought possible. We are frail and can lose our foundation. It is exceedingly frightening. In that moment of vulnerability, we come to understand our fragility. Simultaneously, at that same time, we also come to understand that we are also much more resilient than we ever thought we could be. Despite the devastation and loss, we will literally “rise from the ashes” and rebuild.
I wrote in an earlier Rabbi’s Corner several months ago, that Jewish resilience is about time. It is about living in the present moment, figuring out what we need to do to survive and thrive, and then moving forward with life in a way that is affirming, uplifting, and whole. Jewish resilience doesn’t happen on its own. It takes good people like you and me reaching out to those who are affected to show they are not alone, helping them find their footing, providing food, clothing, shelter, and helping them rebuild, step by step, brick by brick. That’s what being part of a Jewish community means: to offer whatever type of support is most urgently needed at the moment.
Here is how you can help right now, click:
Jewish Federation of LA Wildfire Crisis Relief (make a donation on this site for wildfire crisis relief, also find links for community spaces, government and community resources, volunteer opportunities, mental health resources, and legal resources).
Additionally, the Temple Beth Sholom Social Action Committee and office are working with the greater Jewish community to coordinate efforts to help both relief workers (fire and police departments and social service agencies) and those in direct need. Please refer to the email sent out yesterday for more information.
A prayer (from Reform Movement poet laureate Alden Solovy) to be said as the California wildfires rage, destroying homes and taking lives: (See also Alden's prayer “
For Firefighters.”)
As Fires RageG-d beyond my understanding,
Fires consume the land,
Destroying homes and lives,
Blazing into the foundations of serenity and security.
Let the winds cease,
The rain fall,
And the fires be extinguished.
G-d of justice and mercy,
We pray for the people of California.
As fires rage and fear spreads,
We pray for the survivors and the mourners,
The traumatized and the bereaved.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
May people of righteousness and mercy
Come swiftly to their aid.
Grant the fire fighters and first responders
Strength and endurance
As they battle the inferno.
G-d of heaven and earth,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant the people of California
Your protection
And Your peace.
© 2018 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com
