With Maria approaching as another possible category 5 hurricane, G-d forbid, community members are fearful and scurrying to once again secure their possessions while trying to stock up on limited provisions in an already difficult and draining situation.
Thank G-d yesterday's aid arrived. We spent much of the day coordinating with other local humanitarian organizations to make sure that the supplies make their way into the hands of those who need it most. We distributing food & water in targeted neighborhoods that need it most.
Sometimes one needs to see firsthand the worry and perhaps despair of another to feel what they are going through. It is heart-wrenching to see the pleading eyes of a thirsty precious little girl whose family lost their home and has been displaced since.
Please just know... All of the organizations and individuals who have contributed (through your volunteering, resources, and monetary contributions), have brought hundreds of smiles to people who are deeply hurting. Thank you!!!
It's unfortunate that a lot of additional supplies are now stuck in transit or postponed due to Maria. We hope to get it as soon as possible.
As of this morning an additional 5,000 pieces of clothing have been donated to our efforts in the VI and will be shipped out next week along with over 100 pallets of food and supplies. If you have any helpful transportation connections please let us know.
Please help us continue our work and spread the word. You can contribute here
Thanks to our dear friends Pam Berkowsky & Adam Shapiro who flew in yesterday for a few hours and brought some Rosh Hashana provisions and other relief, we are happy to share that while uncertain whether or not people will be able to join for Services Wednesday night, we have prepared packages of kosher MRE's, apples, honey, and pomegranate for every single member of the community to celebrate at home. I am currently on the road distributing them.
Please spread the word as many locals do not have a way of reading this.
Myself and, Rabbi's Mendel and Berel will remain on the east end during the coming storm so as to be able to have services and host guests once the storm passes and blow Shofar for the many Jews who have remained on island. If you can't make services, please come by anytime you can for warm words of Torah, Shofar, a meal and Rosh Hashana spirit.
Rosh Hashana marks the birthday of mankind. The day it all began. Each year a new energy animates the world bringing new levels of healing, blessings and opportunity.
The Zohar teaches that after Divine harshness comes much mercy, sweetness and kindness.
Virgin Islands stay strong! The destruction will yet be viewed as a painful plowing of the field that will sprout forth greener lush, stronger roots, taller trees, sweeter fruit, more beauty, tranquillity and grace.
The lights of the harbor will yet shine brighter than ever!
G-d! Please keep Maria away... for the sake of the special character of the Virgin Islands community who have gone through enough and are filled with kindness, love, hope, compassion and Mitzvot as the seeds fill the pomegranate.
May it be your will, oh G-d, that we all be blessed with a good and sweet New Year.
As for now, the winds are beginning to blow and I must head back east.
Much love. Stay safe. Together, we will get through this. With an aching but hopeful heart directed to the coming year.
Candle lighting Times:
Wednesday September 20th Eve of Rosh Hashana: 5:59
Thursday, September 21st 2nd Eve of Rosh Hashana: After 6:49 from pre-existing flame
Friday September 22nd Shabbat Eve: 5:58
Asher & Henya Federman
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Wednesday eve - 6:30pm Services followed by community dinner.
Thursday morning - 9:30am Shacharis 11:30 sermon & Shofar blowing. 1pm - lunch.
Same schedule day 2.
Shabbos Services 10:00 am
