Weren't we just saying not that long ago that "a few good people make all the difference in human society and in the fate of mankind"? Well, you'd better believe it.
I just spoke with the rabbi of my heart, Yitzi Hurwitz at Chabad in Temecula, CA. He needs help and I am hoping that BtB readers will come through in a pinch, because this is a big pinch.
Temecula hasn't been hit by the fires, though they're not far away. The air is full of smoke and it's hard to breathe, even inside with the AC on. However, tons of people who have fled their homes elsewhere have ended up there, for the simple reason that it's the closet place that's not burning. Rabbi Hurwitz et al are bringing vats of chicken soup to the shelter (and they're begging for more, you can imagine), feeding and taking care of the firefighters and emergency workers, giving crayons and paper to the children. He said you would be surprised at how much the smallest thing, the smallest kindness is appreciated. He is listening, and listening, to their stories. He is being everything you would expect a rabbi to be. I'm very moved and proud to know such a person. How well he represents the Jewish people by being there in such a big way . He's a rock, giving everything he and his family can give.
He told me that people just grabbed their kids and left their homes; they don't even have a change of clothes. They are enormously grateful if they are given just a little outfit for a child. Can you imagine?
Please, please, we must help. The more we can give, the more he and his family and community can give and help. The need is overwhelming.
Think about it. What if you had fled, maybe you were losing everything you had, and only had your family members to cling to. What if you found yourself a stranger in a strange place, with nothing. And along comes this rabbi, with chicken soup. And crayons for your little one, and a change of clothes, and a smile that lights up a room, and a kind word.
Please help me to help this righteous man and his wonderful family help others in desperate need. If you're in the area, call to see what you can do or bring there 951 303 9576 (but don't keep him on the phone - he's busy!)
If you're like me and can't be there, please give as generously as you can. The need is enormous, and I can promise you that your donation will go right to the heart of this emergency. Would I trust this man with your money? I would trust this man with my life. He's the best.
We're supposed to bring light to the world. Let's do it. Here's where you can give online.
There's also an address if you'd rather mail a check.
May Gd bless the weary and give them strength.
Ask him how he became a rabbi and he'll tell you he married a rebbetzin:) Above, R. Yitzi and D'Rebbetzin with the three youngest of their seven children. Blessings on all their heads...
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UPDATE: During our conversation he told me a joke, believe it or not. He said that if George Bush walked on water, people would say "He can't swim!"
Posted by: RR | Friday, 26 October 2007 at 02:37 AM