The LA Fires
I am heartbroken by the images and stories I am hearing from the fires in Los Angeles. It is a tragedy of enormous proportions that is affecting hundreds of thousands. Friends and former members of Kol Emeth have lost homes and / or been displaced along with thousands and thousands of others.
Two tangible ways to help. First, Pasadena Jewish Temple, a fellow Conservative Synagogue, was totally destroyed. They are now attempting to support their community and find a way to hold services, bar / bat mitzvahs, and ultimately to rebuild. They will need a lot of help. To support them, go to their website and donate here. Second, the Jewish Federation in Los Angeles is engaging in a more broad support and rebuilding campaign. Click here to help them.
At the same time as we donate and offer our help, we turn to prayer at times of distress. We invoke something compassionate and good in the Universe that we call God in the hope that this force of love can provide comfort and strength at such a moment. With that in mind, the following prayer:
God of this whole world, we ask for your strength and protection to those who are suffering so greatly from the Los Angeles fires. Please support and protect the Fire Fighters and other first responders as they engage in such dangerous work committed to protecting others. Also, grant comfort and aid to those displaced, helping them find stability when the world seems so upside down. And finally, offer comfort and love to those mourning loved ones. Amid so much loss, please help them to find comfort and strength.
May the fires be contained and controlled soon and speedily, and may the hearts of all be turned towards pathways of rebuilding and restoration. And let us say: Amen.
Finally, at such moments it’s easy to despair. I invite us to help, and then to remind ourselves of gratitude. Even as we hold sympathy for the displaced, we can remember our gratitude for our own homes, for clean air, for our own ability to help others. Gratitude can then re-energize our compassion and help us find other ways to help.
May we soon hear good news.
With love-
Rabbi David Booth
