"Need As An Opportunity to Make a Difference"

As the waters from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy begin to recede, tree limbs and debris are cleared from roadways and property, and as press conferences with governors and power company executives become less frequent, the nation is witnessing the enormous toll that Sandy has left upon the shores of the mid-Atlantic and Southern New England States.  An unprecedented weather event they are saying!  The cost in lives and damage and dollars has yet to be determined.  One thing that is certain is that there is and will continue to be much need.  It is Paul Newman who famously is referenced as viewing need as an opportunity to make a difference.  It is also, as it turns out, a Jewish imperative; that is to make a difference in the world.  Further, our tradition tells us to engage in tikkun olam, repairing the world; to be a link in the chain that will make a difference.  Sandy has handed us this opportunity among so many others.  We have an obligation not to turn away.  Our children are watching, our children are learning. 



Here are some places that you may wish to begin.  Jewish Federations of North America Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund; Other Organizations , this includes giving blood as many blood drives in the affected region have been cancelled.  Ordinarily I would suggest the American Jewish World Service but their offices are in NYC and they may be in need of assistance too.  As more information becomes available and relief efforts continue, older children (tweens and teens) may wish to initiate drives to collect items that may be needed in shelters and on the ground (toiletries, blankets, clothing).  Younger children can be engaged in writing thank you notes or sending drawings to first responders in affected areas.  Such notes can only help relieve some of the strain that these individuals are under.