Project Tzohar: August 31, 2005

We are beginning to hear from congregants who have fled the areas devastated by the hurricane, and to receive offers of help from synagogues in the region.

We will post what we know when we know it; please check back frequently for updates.

If your congregation can offer help, or is interested in learning what it can do, email Harry Silverman, our Southeast regional director, at silverman@uscj.org, or call him at (561) 372-0420.

Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation B'nai Torah in Atlanta writes,

"Word is out that many Jewish refugees from New Orleans and beyond are making their way to Atlanta. It is clear that many will need to remain here, either with relatives or in other settings, for weeks or even months. Appeals will go out in many circles for money, household goods, clothes, toys, etc, and we should all give generously. But more will need to be done.

Brad May has suggested a few other ways that we as a synagogue can extend spiritual hospitality to our Jewish brethren that will go beyond the serious physical needs.

All of this will take energy and money to organize. If you are willing to help with time or other resources, of if you know of families in need (including your own relatives and friends), please write to Brad May at brad@teammay.com or call him at 404-786-4452. He will be coordinating our congregational response.

Thanks to Brad for spearheading this incredibly important work of gemilut hasadim, and thanks in advance to the congregation for undertaking this important mitzvah.

Michael Kancher, the president of Shir Chadash in New Orleans, sheltering in Houston, writes:

As I write this note I cannot tell you how much your thoughts and concerns mean to me. Shir Chadash is under water, as is most of the city. From all the television and internet reports, my home is under anywhere from 5 to 15 feet or water.

Area code 504 has not been working so trying to keep in touch with my congregants has been impossible. We were able to move our Torahs to a safe room at the Jewish Federation building. It will be a very long road, but we slow put all the pieces back together. Please open your doors to any congregants that might up to y our synagogues for the High Holidays.

Keep us in your thoughts."

Harry Silverman reports that Robert Whitlock, treasurer of Ahavas Chesed in Mobile, says the area did not get his very hard.

"While many are without power, the power company expects most power to be restored this afternoon. They have not had any major damage he's aware of. The shul has power. Trees have fallen and some gutters will need repair, but by and large everything is okay."

Sharon Nickol of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Memphis adds:

"I know I speak for all of the synagogues in the area. Please consider our synagogue doors open for any and all needs during this terrible time. I have members willing to house, feed and support your members affected by Hurricane Katrina. Please contact me at 901-683-3591, ext. 209. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Synagogues in Nashville, Orlando St. Louis, Houston and Dallas already have volunteered to help.

Harry Silverman adds that anyone who wants home hospitality anywhere in the region should call him and he will be able to arrange it.

Updates:

February 6 | October 11 | October 10 |October 9 | September 26 | September 23 | September 19 | September 13 | September 9 | September 7 | September 2 | September 1 | August 31