From the Rabbi

Exactly 12 years ago, as the effects of Hurricane Katrina were soaking into our consciousness, many faith-based messages ensued, along with information about where to send donations for relief.

Among my colleagues, we discussed how to share pastoral messages without ignoring our politically-informed awareness about the human failings that led to the scope and impact of that particular disaster, which was regarded as anything but “natural.”

One rabbi referenced the traditional second paragraph of the Shema, which sounds a warming that the ignoring of covenantal commitments leads to dire ecological consequences. This: “I can’t think of anything that speaks more clearly to our current global situation” still sounds very contemporary in 2017. And even if this disaster seems more “natural,” the persistent denial or downplaying of climate change on the part of political and corporate actors means that coastal areas continue to be vulnerable, and vast swaths of the global population will continue to find their world turned upside down.

As we respond with generosity to the overwhelming impact of Hurricane Harvey, and as rains continue to soak the Texas coastal areas, we remain committed to sharing our Jewish and biblically-based consciousness around stewardship of Creation, the restoration of the covenant following “Noah’s flood,” and our sense of responsibility to all humanity.

- Rabbi Liz

Charity Navigator, a non-profit that rates charities for effective use of donations, has a list of the best places to donate, including local food banks and Humane Societies. Click www.houstonjewish.org for contributions through the local Jewish Federation. For an alliance of progressive organizations that will be advocating directly for people impacted hardest by the storm, click here.