A Prayer in the Face of Hurricane Harvey
Ribbono Shel Olam, Creator of All,
Too often we face destruction, loss, and broken-ness. Too often we are reminded that we control so little. Your people are frail, we break so easily. When the disaster is too great we turn to you. Please God, as the flood waters rise in Texas help us remember that to be Jewish is to be compassionate, help us remember our mission to repair the world, help us to be a light in this time of darkness.
And let us say,
Amen
A Message from Rabbi Gideon Estes of Congregation Or Ami, A Conservative Congregation in Houston
To my friends outside of Houston, let me first start by saying I really appreciate all of your concern and desire to help. The outpouring of love is very nurturing. I also understand that people want to help. However, I need you to have patience. The clean-up from this storm will not be days but months, if not years. Currently, we are still in crisis mode. The rain has stopped for now, but the reservoirs are still full, rivers have yet to crest. The situation of many of my congregants, who are also all my friends, are still in precarious and unknown situations. As we know of concrete ways to help, I will share and welcome your assistance and amplification of this message.
If you would like to make a donation, here are places to give:
- Congregation Or Ami – Rabbi Estes has established a way to give directly to his congregation through a sub-fund of his discretionary fund. You can donate by selecting the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund or mailing a check to Congregation Or Ami, 3443 Wilcrest Drive, Houston, TX 77042, noting that fund in the memo line. He will also be accepting gift cards of $50 or less to stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot.
- Beth Yeshurun, a Conservative congregation in Houston, has established a Flood Recovery Fund to help address overwhelming needs that both the synagogue and its families are facing, in both the short and long term.
- Los Angeles Jewish Federation has organized an opportunity to give to the Houston community.
- Houston Jewish Federation has created a dedicated fund.
- IsraAID, an Israeli NGO, responds immediately to natural disasters around the world. They are often first on the scene after tragedies and are already operating in Texas.
- Texas Diaper Bank has launched a disaster relief program and is in need of baby diapers of any size, adult diapers, pull-ups, formula, and wipes.
- The Bar Yadin Family Foundation is matching 100% of the money sent in for the Hurricane Harvey relief effort up to $125,000. 100% of the funds will be distributed to Harvey relief efforts. Donate by mailing a check to 4629 Macro Drive, San Antonio, TX 78218.
Hurricane Harvey & Irma Relief
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has expanded their hurricane relief efforts to include both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Click Here to learn more about how you can help.
