Project Tzohar: September 1, 2005

Laura Benjaminson, executive director of Temple Beth-El in Birmingham, Ala., writes that "we will provide free High Holiday seats and open arms for the entire season and beyond to any of your congregants and those of other congregations displaced by the hurricane. We have a very welcoming community (and we eat together a lot and would love to have your members with us.)" The synagogue's phone number is 205 933-2740.

Steve Richer is president of Congregation Beth Israel in Biloxi, Miss., a town that has suffered terrible damage, He emailed, "We are still in a state of noncommunications with the coast, so I don't know if Congregation Beth Israel still stands or if any of our congregants are homeless.I appreciate all of your efforts to start to raise funds. It is almost for certain that we will need help above what our insurance will cover.

B'nai Israel Synagogue in Pensacola, Fla., reports that it's okay, and eager to help by hosting families and doing whatever else it can. Synagogues in St. Louis, Mo., and Tulsa, Okla., have volunteered help as well.

Rabbi Ranon Teller of Congregation Brith Shalom in Bellaire, Texas, writes, "I have been deeply moved by the depth of caring and generosity expressed for the refugees from Louisiana. This is a defining moment for us as a congregation and a test of our commitment and religiosity.

The city of Houston will soon be flooded with refugees who will need food, volunteers, and money. The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is meeting tomorrow to coordinate the Jewish community's efforts. In addition, I have been in touch with United Way and Interfaith Ministries to coordinate efforts with the city of Houston. CBS will be partners in both processes -- Jewish and secular.

"Please come to shul this Shabbat morning to find out in person how our community will be mobilizing. Add your voice to the conversation."

He added that on Shabbat morning, an executive from the Jewish Federation in New Orleans will speak. After Kiddush, the congregation will meet to gather information, present options, and make decisions.

They will collect supplies for refugees and open the religious school to children who have fled the flood.

Many families have offered their homes to house refugees, and refugee families are invited to High Holiday services. "I will be keeping you up to date as we fulfill our responsibility to repair the world," Rabbi Teller concludes.

Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner of the Jacksonville Jewish Center in Jacksonville, Fla., says that his community offers home hospitality, including kosher food, for hurricane victims. Children can be placed in the local Solomon Schechter affiliate, the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, and in the Jewish Center's afternoon religious school, until their home schools and shuls are ready to reopen. High Holiday tickets will be available. If there are any other ways in which the synagogue can help, Rabbi Lubliner and its executive director, Bruce Horovitz, will be glad to try to do so.

Families from Anshai Torah, in Plano, Texas have volunteered room in their homes to displaced families, and seats at their tables for Shabbat and High Holiday meals. The synagogue is providing holiday tickets to anyone who needs them, and Sunday and Hebrew school for any child who has been displayed by the floods. Call the office at 972-473-7718.

Updates:

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