Dear Friends,
It has been over a week since the Champlain Tower South collapsed in Surfside. It has been over a week of anxiety, heartfelt prayers, and an unending hope to finally hear some good news. Our hearts, minds and prayers are with the families of the disaster.
The situation is horrific. Think about it. People doing what is usually the least dangerous thing in the world. Sleeping in their own homes, in their own beds, in the middle of the night.
To think that all of this can come crashing down in just a few moments is terrifying.The families of those who are missing are going through excruciating pain that is beyond description.
We can pray... And pray we do. First and foremost, for those missing and for their families and loved ones whose lives have been torn apart. We also pray for all the rest of us, that our lives be healthy and safe. Successful and blessed.
Then there is the horrific stabbing of an innocent and defenseless rabbi in Boston, a short distance from the children’s summer camp at his shul. Our prayers for a complete and swift return to good health go out to Rabbi Shlomo Noginsky, husband and father of 12, as he recovers from the horrific attack.
Do we question, from where can we get our strength and our hope at times like this? That comes from within, and from our faith. Now more than ever we need to be there for each other, to offer prayers and support in as many ways as we can, and to take action with mitzvot.
We hear all of their cries of sorrow and we cry with each one who suffers: as humans, we all suffer. Along with prayers, consider food, shelter, and clothing for all the homeless at Surfside, we see how our wide-reaching Chabad family steps in to help when needed.
Our approaching Independence Day means different things to each of us, but above all, perhaps we could humbly celebrate a sense of gratitude for all the good that is in our lives, and how each of us can expand upon what is positive to bring light and hope to others.
Hope seems like such a simple thing, but to some in troubled times it may also seem out of reach. Let’s try to bring a gift of love, hope and appreciation of the good elements of freedom to each other, for Shabbat and for all the days ahead.
As we keep the victims, families and brave first responders at Surfside in our prayers, please keep your eye on the weather map and potential of now-Hurricane Elsa possibly headed this way as early as Sunday.
May the Almighty have mercy on all those missing in this horrendous Surfside tragedy. And may the Almighty protect us all from further tragedies and bless us all with everything safe, healthy, happy and good.
With love and blessings,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos