Blog

For more than a week now, we have watched with an aching sense of helplessness the devastation of biblical proportions caused by the Greater Los Angeles fires. Along with the tragic loss of life (24 individuals as of this writing), more than 12,000 homes, businesses, schools, a synagogue, and other structures have burnt to the ground since last Tuesday when this catastrophe began. Included among the devastation are the homes of close to 400 Jewish families, including clergy colleagues and relatives and friends of Sinai members. Understandably, the desire to do something - anything - to help make a difference – is tugging at our hearts.

Professional colleagues in the Greater LA Jewish community with whom we have been in contact have informed us that at present, there are two ways we can be most helpful:

• Collecting Gift Cards** (Target, Visa, or Amazon, of any $ amount) to be distributed to the thousands of displaced Jewish community members, most of whom have essentially lost every possession; and/or
• Making a Donation
  • Temple Sinai’s Disaster Relief Fund (All contributions will be directed to the Greater LA Jewish Community relief efforts on our community’s behalf) - https://www.templesinaiatlanta.org/form/lafiresdisaster-relief.html
  • LA Jewish Federation Wildfire Crisis Relief - https://www.jewishla.org/wildfire-crisis-relief/
  • NCJW-LA Fire Relief - https://www.ncjwla.org/donate/ 

**All who wish to purchase and donate Gift Cards (see above specifications), please bring them to Temple Sinai by Friday, January 31 and clearly indicate the dollar amount on the card.

Source of Life and Healing – we ask Your protection for all who are impacted by the devastating Southern California fires. Guide them towards shelter and safety as they continue to confront overwhelming physical and emotional loss.  Spread a blanket of security over the firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to serve and protect their communities. Grant them the necessary strength and may they each return safely to their loved ones. Bless each of us with increased compassion and an abundance of kindness that we may extend our hands and hearts to those in need. May all those who have been impacted by these fires know the embrace of support and strength.