This week we all saw the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. I have been thinking all these days on what to say about it. It is very hard to find something that will bring comfort or anything positive from it. So many people have lost their homes and belongings, they are living in shelters or anywhere that is safe, nevertheless in very uncomfortable ways, and not to forget the loss of precious life.
In this week’s Parasha “Ki Teitzei” (when you go out) we find a pasuk that can bring some light on what we should do in this case. “You shall not see the donkey of your brother or his ox falling on the way and not pay attention to them. Rather you shall lift them up with him.” (Devarim 22:4)
This verse in its literal level is talking about helping when you see an animal fall, so much more if you see another person fall. Not only should we help them but we also need to help them get up.
We can’t understand why H”S brings this type of tragedies to the world, nobody has the right to justify it, for no one deserves this type of suffering. H”S ways are mysterious and we need to trust that all is for the good, but we need to take action by helping out in any way we can. Some very brave people pick up and go to the place to help hands on, but this is not something that everyone can do. But we all can help by sending donations to help the people of Houston get up and rebuild. This is what will help them get through it.
Action is what is needed here, ” In life it’s not what happens to you,but what you do about it.”
We are in the month of Elul, don’t miss the opportunity to do your part. If everyone gives something we will be able to pick them up and lift them up.
It is through this acts of love and kindness that the world refines itself and everyone is elevated to a higher level. Indifference is the true devastation, love and kindness are the answer.
There are many reliable organizations that are making a difference, by cooking meals, sheltering, giving toiletries,etc..
Some are:
Jewish Federation
Chabad of Houston
The OU disaster relief fund for Huston
Thank you
#hurricaneharvey2017
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