Kindness on the Ark
10/19/2023 04:28:39 PM
Oct19
This week we continue to be overloaded with challenging news, and there is almost too much to say. At B’nai Torah, we are doing our best to keep sharing information without duplicating what is being shared elsewhere. In addition to the Shabbat live stream, we have posted selected sermons at https://www.bnaitorah.org/sermons, and my sermon for this coming Shabbat will be posted there late Saturday night. As many of my colleagues have noted, this week’s Torah portion, ironically has one of 67 Biblical mentions of the term Hamas. If you want to understand why that is, see this week's Virtual Commute https://youtu.be/7JUs9T6YDhc. We are also offering special opportunities for our teens to process the news.
As we enter Shabbat this week, though I’d like to make sure we do not forget the positives and blessings that we have, and that we can offer each other. As we read the story of the flood this week, we cannot forget a the image of a world of evil which cannot be cleansed or repelled without terrible destruction, a world of people who choose to turn a blind eye to that evil. But we can also understand the positive elements of the story. Even in the midst of the most violent storm the world has ever seen, an ark, built by human hands, is a place of safety and protection. Noah and his family show care in tending to the wildly diverse needs of every creature that is to be saved.
In that light, we must remember that we live in a world of horrific violence, but also unbelievable kindness, and there is much that we can do to be sheltered and to shelter and care for others. I have been overwhelmed by the expressions of support our community has received- from elected officials of both parties, at every level, from clergy colleagues. People have been walking up to me in parking lots to offer their sympathy, and their blessings for the safety for our people.
Our B’nai Torah community has done its part building the ark and tending to those within. Many of us have taken time to advocate, to rally, to reach out personally to those in Israel. Order your yard sign or magnet from Signs by SI, with profits being donated to the IDF. Pick up will be available at B'nai Torah.
Members of our congregation have contributed literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to large-scale efforts like the Federation’s Emergency Campaign, JNF, FIDF, Magen David Adom, AIPAC and so many more. In addition, we tried to meet a very targeted goal. In the first days of the conflict, I heard from friends in Israel about incredibly urgent needs that were not yet being met by these major efforts. So we set out to help in a very specific way. We raised over $25,000 from over 60 donors, to make a difference on the ground immediately- in some cases sending money by wire, PayPal or Zelle to trusted contacts in Israel. Things changed so quickly. We had to pivot several times where needs were met and new needs arose. One night I was on the phone at 2:30AM with an Israeli friend to confirm that the supplier had the needed supplies. And, unfortunately, I received some requests that we had to decline for good reason (the need had been filled), or because we could not verify that the funds would be used properly
Here are some highlights of what we accomplished:
• We sent a total of $8000 directly to two Kibbutzim, Nir Oz and Nir Yitzchak, that also suffered significant losses, but have not been in the spotlight.
• We sent $4500 to help specific IDF units with needed supplies. One of our partners in this effort was Adina Karpuj, daughter of Rabbis Mario and Analia.
• We sent another $1000 to help the base for lone soldiers where one of our congregants who enlisted in the IDF has been living when he is not in the field.
• $4000 went to our partner congregation in Yokneam, Ohel Moshe, which has been feeding hundreds of people who are displaced, and supporting units on their way to defend Israel's northern border.
• $2500 went to "Bring Hersch Home" which is working to support families of the hostages
• Another $5000 went to umbrella efforts, Amidror and Hands on Tzdekah, that have been meeting needs on the ground in real time.
We don’t know what the weeks ahead will bring. I have set aside a portion of my discretionary fund to meet urgent needs that might still arise, but do not want to be holding money that could be put to good use. So, for the moment, we are no longer serving as an intermediary for fund collection Please give to the Atlanta Federation Emergency Fund, or another established organization of your choice.
We may not be able to quiet the storm, but we can make sure the ark is stocked for its voyage.
Thu, May 9 2024 1 Iyyar 5784