Dear friends,
Mashiv HaRuach Umorid Hagashem. During the rainy season we add these words to our Amidah prayer asking God to bring wind and rain. Living in Portland we are aware of the need for rain, as our usual lush and green surroundings have begun to brown this summer. Recently, however, we’ve seen the devastation rain can bring as we watched the havoc Hurricane Harvey has brought to southeastern Texas in the last week.
We know many of you share our sense of urgency to help and support the displaced families, flooded schools, and synagogues in crisis.
Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze Ba Ze. “All of Israel is responsible for one another,” teaches the Talmud. The time to help, the time to connect, the time to support is now.
As a congregation, we have “adopted” Congregation Or Ami, a small conservative congregation in Houston, Texas, one of many in need of support. Below you’ll find a letter from their rabbi, Gideon Estes. At present they are still assessing damage, waiting for the rain to stop and congregants to check in.
Currently, the most useful service we can provide is financial support as they patch the roof and get the building ready to be a communal gathering place once more.
You may make donations directly through our CNS congregation that will go to their needs of supplies for families. As more concrete needs become available we will continue to update you.
Rabbi David Kosak
Rabbi Eve Posen
Cantor Eyal Bitton
Fred Rothstein
Steve Blake
