The news from Haiti is bleak.
The images that we see are of regular people, families, desperately trying to put their lives together after a major earthquake and tropical storms.
Our hearts go out to them. They ache to 'do something' to assuage their pain, and such a tragic situation.
Temple Emanu-El has a partnership with IsraAid, a group of Israeli first responders who go to places like Haiti on the heels of natural disasters to help. They often are literally the first 'boots on the ground', and have become experts on how to set up medical tents, do mass food and water distribution, bring in engineers along with search and rescue teams, and provide the baseline counseling amidst the trauma.
Our people's mission, since time began, is to engage the world at its most broken parts, to mend and heal it as best as we can.
I don't want to romanticize the situation, for that would cheapen the harsh reality that the Haitians are facing; but I am so proud that IsraAid is there, and I am so grateful that through them, the Jewish community can begin to offer tikkun/healing.
Over the past few days, a good number of our Temple Emanu-El congregants have asked the best way to offer aid to the people of Haiti.
In my opinion, this is it.
If you want to participate in this aid, this LINK will get you there.
I've also included the letter from IsraAid explaining the details of what they are doing in Haiti in response to this double disaster. LETTER LINK
May God bless the doctors, nurses, aid workers, engineers, and rescue teams from IsraAid; as well as all the other good people who are offering help. And may the blessings of the Divine grace those in Haiti who have lost so much with healing and wholeness, a refuah shlamah.
Shabbat shalom
Rabbi Spike
