As we approach Shabbat, I want to take a moment to update you on the status of our congregations directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, as well as the Union's relief efforts and what you and your congregation might do to help. But first: thank you to each of you for what you  have already done. The news of how congregations across the Union are pitching in to help, whether through the Jacobs' Ladder project, benefit concerts, volunteering at local shelters, housing evacuees or encouraging monetary donations has been extraordinary.

Our four New Orleans area congregations were the most dramatically impacted by the storm. We believe at this time that Temple Sinai and Touro Synagogue did not suffer any major damage to their synagogue structures, although the basement of Touro, where the HVAC and some computer equipment were located, was flooded. The sanctuary of Gates of Prayer was flooded but has since been pumped out. A construction crew should begin working shortly to remove damaged sheetrock, carpets, etc.. Last week a group went from Baton Rouge to New Orleans to rescue the Torah scrolls and other sacred objects. Northshore Jewish Congregation in Mandeville suffered extensive damage, but the congregation will again hold Shabbat worship in its parking lot this evening.  The area surrounding the synagogue is open and members are returning to their homes. (More information about these congregations may be found on the Union's relief Web site, www.urj.org/relief)
 
The majority of New Orleans' Jewish population is resettling in Houston, and the clergy of Gates of Prayer and Touro are in Houston, working out of Congregation Emanu El and Congregation Beth Israel, respectively. The Houston community has been exceptional in its welcome of the evacuees. The next largest group is in Baton Rouge, which also has opened its arms. Our congregations throughout the South have been extraordinary in their efforts to help evacuees, and we salute them for all they are doing. They make our Movement proud.

At this point, High Holy Day services are planned for evacuees in Houston and Baton Rouge, but the Jewish community is scattered across the continent. We know that you will open your doors to them this High Holy Day season. We also urge you to see whether there are students at nearby colleges from the New Orleans community who might appreciate home hospitality this season, when they have no homes of their own to which to go.

RELIEF EFFORTS

The outpouring of help has been tremendous. We've raised close to $2 million thus far, and have distributed more than $500,000 already. (See www./urj.org/pr/2005/050913/  for a full list). Our youth continue to mobilize in grass-roots efforts across North America. Their programs and their progress can be followed at www.nfty.org/relief  - note that NFTY has taken responsibility for raising the funds necessary to ensure that teens from New Orleans will be able to attend their conclave in November at no cost.. Women of Reform Judaism sisterhoods have generously donated money, clothing, supplies and services, and they hope to undertake a project to provide Judaica to those who lost their homes in the storm.

But that is not all that we are doing. If you are planning to participate in the Jacobs' Ladder project, please note: JACOBS' LADDER will be accepting truckloads of donations through October 18, which means that any collection your congregation undertakes must be completed before Yom Kippur. In addition, volunteers who are able to do heavy lifting are welcome at the camp.

Please check the Jacobs' Ladder web site (www.urj.org/relief/jacobsladder/  ) for the latest information.  

A word of caution: Please do not substitute your regular High Holy Day food drive with a drive for Jacobs' Ladder. Local food banks depend heavily on our contributions, and we of course do not want to feed the hungry in Mississippi at the expense of the hungry in our own communities.

One final note: Both the Union and WRJ are waiving all Biennial registration fees for members of the four New Orleans congregations. As many are in Houston, we're looking forward to welcoming them at the Biennial. I hope you've already made your plans to be with us.

Let us continue to pray for all whose lives have been forever changed by Hurricane Katrina. May those who have lost so much be sustained by faith, courage and hope. May the hands of all who have opened their hearts, their homes, their synagogues and their communities to the evacuees be strengthened as they continue to do this holy work.


Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Eric Yoffie  


Help the victims of Hurricane Katrina by donating to the Union for Reform Judaism Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund or participating in other relief activities - see http://urj.org/relief/.


Be a part of the community that is gathering in Houston November 16-20 as we gather
strength from one another in the storm's wake. Register now:


Union for Reform Judaism Biennial Convention - http://biennial.urj.org

Women of Reform Judaism's Assembly - http://wrj.rj.org/assembly05/

A Special Thank You to Sugar Land
and other Fort Bend County Communities

Dear Friends:

During the last three weeks I have personally experienced an array of emotions as I have seen our entire community respond to the needs of the Hurricane Katrina evacuees. This community response has been driven by a sense of love, compassion and an overall desire to help our fellow man. I am so very proud of the citizens of Sugar Land and all Fort Bend communities, as well as the entire Houston region. To all those who have donated their time, treasures and talent, I would like to say thank you.

The activation, volunteer support and on-going operations of the Fort Bend Hurricane Resource Center have touched thousands of lives. As we transitioned from the initial needs of emergency health, food, clothing and shelter, to one of employment, education, housing, transportation, medical and other financial needs, our community responded admirably. And now, as we transition to the delivery of longer-term needs, i.e., permanent housing, job placement, on-going health care services, etc., I am certain that our community will, once again, respond to help our new-found neighbors.

This next phase of delivery of care and support will be of a longer term, more sustainable nature. Consequently, and in an effort to ensure that we maintain a continuous level of support, volunteer members of the Resource Center leadership team, city leadership and numerous non-profit agencies have developed a strategic plan to transition to this next phase of service delivery. Beginning Sunday, September 18, resource activities are consolidated at the respective non-profit and governmental agencies located throughout our community. I am confident that this transition and next phase of community service will continue in a smooth, efficient and orderly fashion.

I would like to remind our citizens that we continue to have a need for financial and volunteer support in our community. We continue to have thousands of guests living in our Fort Bend hotels, shelters and individual homes. We cannot ... and as a community, WILL NOT ... reduce our support to these friends in need. So as we transition to longer-term locations for the delivery of services, I would continue to request your help, assistance and prayers for our Gulf Coast friends.

The last three weeks have created a myriad of memories and images in the minds of the citizens of our community. But the primary images that continue to replay over and over in my mind are the countless examples of support, assistance, grace and love that have poured out from this community to help mankind.

Thank you for making Sugar Land so very proud, and may God continue to bless each and every one of you.
David Wallace
Mayor of Sugar Land