Dear RSNS members and Gan Shalom families,
As we all struggle to comprehend the magnitude of devastation caused by the ongoing fires in California, our hearts go out to all who have experienced loss or dislocation, and to our members who have family or friends that have been directly impacted by the ongoing disaster.
Below, please find links for ways you can help, as well as a message about our Reconstructionist brothers and sisters in California, and prayers of comfort from our movement.
May we hold each other, and send love and support to those whose homes and lives have been upended.
How You Can Help
Cantor Eric Schulmiller
A message from the RRA:
Dear hevre—
Many people from across the Reconstructionist movement have expressed deep concern for members of Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades and Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue. We have been in touch with the leadership of both communities and are hearing hard news: tremendous dislocation and destruction, including the loss of many members’ homes. As of this time, there has been no loss of life, thank goodness. Both synagogues are, we believe, still standing and the Torah scrolls were evacuated along with the people. We have heard similar reports from LA-based Reconstructionist rabbis who do not serve in pulpits—everyone is physically okay in the midst of tremendously challenging circumstances.
Local agencies are focused on providing relief to people directly affected by the fires. At this point, there have been no announcements about providing help from afar. When such information becomes available, we’ll share it out, along with further updates.
We remain in close contact with the leadership of Kehilat Israel (KI) in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue (MJCS). Thankfully, both synagogue buildings remain standing, and their Torah scrolls are safe. University Synagogue in Irvine, located 50 miles from the nearest fire, has generously extended an invitation to KI members to join them for services.
Tragically, RRA members Steven Carr Reuben (HUC ’76), the Rabbi Emeritus, and Senior Rabbi Amy Bernstein (RRC ’97), as well as the Associate Rabbi of KI have all lost their homes, along with at least 300 of their congregants. Members of MJCS have also lost their homes. This moving story from last night’s news captures the KI synagogue and its clergy during this heartbreaking time.
To support Kehilat Israel in this moment of crisis, they have established the KI Community Palisades Fire Assistance Fund to provide financial aid to those in the KI community who have suffered catastrophic losses.
Kehilat Israel continues to share updates on their Facebook page and on Instagram.
May everyone in danger be delivered quickly and without injury. May we all take comfort from these and other prayers:
Communal Prayer: Natural Disasters
by Devon Spier
Out of the burning mount
And the ashes pilled high.
A hope here.
A dream there.
Making their way through the darkened sky.
There amidist the ruins of buildings.
Fly.
There amidst nature’s hidden sanctuaries.
Fly.
And there amidst the bowed heads of light bringers and blessing givers.
Fly.
That we carry each other on the backs of our wings to safety this long and fiery night.
A Blessing in the Face of Wildfires in Los Angeles
by Rabbi Sandra Lawson
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Ruach HaOlam,
Source of life and strength, who is with us in our struggles.
May those who face destruction and loss find resilience and support.
May the hands of firefighters and rescuers be steady and strong, bringing safety and hope in the midst of chaos.
For the families forced to flee, may they find shelter and comfort.
For the earth that burns, may healing rains fall swiftly.
Blessed are You, Eternal One, who fills hearts with courage and communities with love, even in the darkest of times.
Amen
Reconstructing Judaism
