As you are no doubt aware, several of our communities in Florida are in the crosshairs of a potentially devastating storm. Though Hurricane Dorian has yet to make landfall the forecast is unfortunately not looking promising.
Over the past few days many of our Jewish brethren in Florida have evacuated or are in the midst of boarding up their homes in anticipation of the storm and the anticipated flooding.
Since the time the National Hurricane Center began tracking Hurricane Dorian, the Orthodox Union has been in continuous communication with our network of Florida synagogues and local community leadership. Via the OU’s Southeast office in Boca Raton we continue to communicate with those on the ground to assess the developing situation. We will alert you should, God forbid, critical assistance be required.
At this time, what can you do to help?
We urge everyone to include tefilot in their prayers for the people in harm’s way. In particular, we urge all those lighting Shabbat candles before the advent of this Shabbat to include chapter 130 of Tehillim in their candle lighting recitation. The words of the Psalm are below.
We hope and pray that it proves to be unnecessary, but if God forbid financial assistance is needed to address storm damage and provide disaster relief, we will reach out to you to participate. Similarly, in consultation with the respective local synagogues, the Orthodox Union will coordinate any other relief effort that, Heaven forbid, becomes necessary.
Please follow our social media channels or visit OU.org where we will provide updated information as the storm and recovery unfold.
The leadership of the Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union express our heartfelt concern and prayers for those in the path of Hurricane Dorian. It is our sincere hope and prayer that the damage and grief caused by the hurricane will be limited.
Thank you for joining us in these efforts.
With Gratitude,
Moishe Bane, President
Orthodox Union
Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, President
Rabbinical Council of America
Allen Fagin, Executive Vice President
Orthodox Union
Rabbi Mark Dratch, Executive VP
Rabbinical Council of America
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The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.