e are all devastated by the news of Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of lives have been lost, thousands have been left homeless, families have been torn apart, scores of people are still missing, the destruction is overwhelming.
Judaism teaches us that we should never stand by when we have the power to stand up and offer our help.
Feelings of helplessness are natural when we are sitting in our homes far removed from a traumatic situation. At Nashuva this Shabbat we will make a commitment to turn our helplessness into action. We understand that the process of healing will take time and we will commit ourselves to a sustained long-term response.
From our conversations with community leaders we have been told that the greatest help we can offer at the moment is a donation.
Please take the time right now to click on one of the links below to offer a donation for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
1. American Red Cross www.redcross.org
2. United Jewish Communities www.ujc.org
Blessings from Nashuva
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Excerpted from Psalms 69
Save me, God;
For the waters have reached my soul.
I sink in deep mire,
Where there is no place to stand;
I have come into deep waters,
And the flood sweeps over me.
I am weary of my crying;
My throat is parched;
My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Rescue me from the mire,
And do not let me sink.
Don't let the floodwaters sweep me away,
Or the deep swallow me up,
Or the pit shut its mouth over me.
Answer me, God;
For Your loving kindness comforts me;
Turn to me in Your mercy.
Do not hide Your face from me;
For I am in trouble;
Answer me quickly.
Amen. |
A Prayer for Victims of Hurricane Katrina
by Rabbi Naomi Levy
Are You watching, God?
Have You seen the innocent swept away?
Are You listening God?
Have You heard their cries?
Be with them, God.
Be their strength and their comfort.
Let them know You are near.
Work through us, God.
Teach us to be Your messengers on earth. Wake us up, God,
Show us how to help.
Use us, God, shine through us,
Inspire us to rebuild the ruins.
Open our hearts so we can comfort the mourning.
Open our arms so we can extend our hands to those in need.
Shake us out of our complacency, God.
Be our guide,
Transform our helplessness into action,
Our generous intentions into charity,
Turn the prayers of our souls
into acts of kindness and compassion.
Amen.
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