Monday Morning Message – November 5, 2012

Shalom everyone. Nearly one week after Hurricane Sandy, we are slowly beginning to see some recovery in our area. Yet there are still so many people without power, whose homes and business have been destroyed, and whose lives get increasingly difficult as the days continue, particularly as the temperature drops. The Torah reminds us of our responsibility to take care of the stranger no less than 36 times, and Leviticus explicitly teaches us to, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Many of us have seen this teaching turn to action this week as people, including many Torat El members, have been reaching out to their neighbors to lend a hand.

I know that many in our community have hosted others in their homes, made meals for those in need, delivered food to the food bank, toiletries and other goods to the Salvation Army, and volunteered at local shelters. In the coming days we will be working on additional ways to help those in our Torat El community, and those is the greater Monmouth County, Jersey Shore, and Tri-State area communities, who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Stay tuned–we will need your help!

In the meantime, the following are some suggestions for ways to continue helping those affected in our area.

Financial:

1. Donate money to   NECHAMA– A Jewish relief organization
2. Donate money to the   American Red Cross
3. Donate money to the   Jewish Federation of North America that has set up a Hurricane Relief Fund to be distributed directly to Jewish Monmouth County residents in crisis, and to agencies and organizations helping with the rebuilding of our community. This link will take you the the national Federation page- please select “NJ Monmouth County.”  You can also mail a check to: The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, 960 Holmdel Rd, Building II, 2nd Floor, Holmdel, NJ 07733

Volunteer:

1. The Monmouth County Food Bank continues to need food. They have plenty of volunteers, but could use donations of non-perishable items, especially ready to eat meals (i.e., non-perishable meal items in cans that do not require cooking).
2. Check the   Jersey Shore Hurricane News on facebook for up-to-date volunteer opportunities:
3. Volunteer through the Salvation Army (you can register through their   blog

The challenges that we face in our area are far and wide and it is sometimes difficult to find a specific project to help with. If you know of any needs or opportunities to help that are not listed here, please e-mail me directly and I will have them posted on our website and our facebook page. Please be very specific as to needs so that we can make sure to have accurate and up-to-date information. (Please remember to “like” our facebook page so that you can get updates as well). Also, if you are able to volunteer to help, and are looking for opportunities, please e-mail me directly (rabbi@torat-el.org) and I will do my best to connect you.